Kerala University to permit students to pursue dual degrees simultaneously

The Academic Council of Kerala University has approved a new regulation allowing undergraduate students to pursue a second degree simultaneously along with their regular course of study.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal on Tuesday. The university had imposed restrictions on enrolling in more than one course at the same time. With the reform, students pursuing a regular degree programme can simultaneously enrol in a distance education or online course, thereby enabling them to earn two degrees concurrently.

Sources point out that the provision aligns with practices long followed by several foreign universities. The University Grants Commission had also permitted higher education institutions to allow parallel courses alongside regular studies on the basis of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

In another significant move, the Academic Council also granted approval to appoint distinguished personalities including noted writers, scientists, engineers and management experts as ‘Professors of Practice’ in various teaching departments of the university. The initiative is aimed at strengthening industry-academia collaboration and providing students with practical exposure and professional expertise.