What the UGC Dual Degree Programme means, why it changes everything and how every college at People’s University is part of it.
In April 2022, the University Grants Commission changed something quietly but significantly. It notified guidelines allowing students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously. Not one after the other. At the same time.
The idea is straightforward. UGC created these guidelines to give students the freedom to explore different subjects and skills, promote multidisciplinary learning across arts, science, commerce and professional areas, and prepare students for better careers in the modern world.
What that means practically: a student can complete two degrees, from the same or different universities, without adding years to their education. One programme in regular mode, one in online or distance mode, as long as the class timings do not clash. Both degrees are fully valid — for jobs, for further studies, for everything a single degree qualifies you for.
People’s University, Bhopal has adopted this fully. Every college across the campus is now part of the Dual Degree Programme. Here is what that looks like:
Engineering and Technology
School of Research and Technology (SORT) runs B.Tech, M.Tech and Diploma programmes across branches including CSE, AI and ML, Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering. The 5-year integrated UG and PG option saves one full year. Combined with the UGC Dual Degree route, an engineering student can simultaneously pursue a management, law or humanities programme alongside their technical degree.
Medical Sciences
People’s College of Medical Sciences and RC offers MBBS, MD/MS, DM Endocrinology and M.Sc. Medical under NMC recognition. Dual Degree applies to eligible programmes within the UGC framework — opening research and academic combinations for science graduates alongside their core medical education.
Dental Sciences
People’s Dental Academy and People’s College of Dental Sciences and RC both carry the Dual Degree option for BDS and MDS students. A dental student can now pursue a management or health administration degree simultaneously — directly useful for those planning to run their own practice or work in hospital management.
Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy and Research (SOPR) offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm and D.Pharm with a 5-year integrated UG and PG pathway. A pharmacy student can pair their degree with a business, research or science programme running alongside.
Paramedical Sciences
People’s College of Paramedical Sciences and RC (PCPS) runs BPT, BMLT, MPT and all three diploma programmes under the Dual Degree umbrella. A physiotherapy or lab technology student can now build a second qualification at the same time.
Nursing
People’s College of Nursing and RC offers B.Sc. Nursing, M.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, GNM and even Ph.D. in Nursing. Dual Degree opens academic combinations for nursing students that were simply not available before.
Management and Commerce
People’s Institute of Management and Research (PIMR) offers MBA with 11 dual specialisations, BBA, B.Com, M.Com and multiple PG Diplomas. The 5-year integrated BBA plus MBA option is already one of the stronger management career pathways in Bhopal. Dual Degree adds another layer on top of that.
Hotel Management
People’s Institute of Hotel Management (PIHM) runs BHMCT, BBA in Hospitality and PG Diploma programmes. A hospitality student can now combine their degree with a management or marketing qualification simultaneously.
Law
People’s Institute of Legal Studies (PILS) offers BA LLB, LLB and LLM in seven specialisations. Law combined with humanities, management or social sciences is one of the more practical Dual Degree combinations available here.
Life Sciences and Research
CSRD runs B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biotechnology and Microbiology. Science students can now pursue a second discipline alongside their research programme without extending their academic timeline.
One Campus. Every Stream. Two Degrees at Once.
This is not a future plan. It is available now. Admissions for 2026-27 are open across all programmes.
Apply at admissions.peoplesuniversity.edu.in or explore People’s University to find the right combination for you.
Sources:
- Careerera — UGC Guidelines for Pursuing Two Degrees Simultaneously (November 2025) Careerera
- Distance Education School — Ultimate Guide to Pursuing Dual Degree in India (March 2026) Sharda University
- Careers360 — Students Struggle to Pursue Dual Degrees; UGC Urges HEIs to Take Steps (November 2024) careers360
