In April 2022 University Grant Commission (UGC) issued guidelines that A student can pursue two full-time academic programmes in the physical mode provided that in such cases, class timings for one programme do not overlap with the class timings of the other programme. It means a student is allowed to pursue two courses at the same time. The issue of allowing students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously has been examined by the Commission keeping in view the proposals envisaged in the National Education Policy - NEP 2020 which emphasises the need to facilitate multiple pathways to learning involving both formal and non-formal education modes.
These guidelines have made it easy for students to get two different degrees at the same time without any hard difference between arts and science, vocational and academic streams, curricular and extracurricular activities. It will also help to foster the different capabilities of students.
However, pursuing two courses simultaneously can cause a clash of exams, which is a concerning topic for the students. Because most of the universities conduct exams during the same months or we can say during the same time period.
Exams are always a stressful topic for students, especially for the ones who are day scholars. Because it is really hectic to travel daily after getting tired of attending all these lectures. And during exams, it is way too stressful for the students to prepare for two different exams simultaneously.
In India, Universities can take two exams simultaneously on the same day for degree courses, but not for Ph.D. courses. This way of examination is difficult for the students as it is way too confusing as to which exam they should focus on first and most. Whereas students pursuing two courses at the same time it is a hard task to focus on different subjects in a short period.
Whether it is mid-semester examinations or end-semester examinations, having two exams on the same day is difficult to tackle because somewhere students lack in any of the subjects which affects their marks and CGPAs/Percentages. And also it affects students' health and sleeping schedule. It causes insomnia, depression, headaches, etc. at a very early age in students, which is very harmful to students.
So, in that case, students need to learn to manage their time properly to give equal time to their health and studies. Parents also need to interact with their children to get a check on their mental wellness and stress. Also, Universities need to prepare flexible exam datesheets to avoid unnecessary stress for students. If they are scheduling two exams in a day, they need to set the exam criteria and timings systematically to make sure the students feel free to prepare for exams. Students should indulge themselves in meditation and yoga to avoid burdens and stress and relax their minds.