WHY RIGHT NOMENCLATURE IS CRITICAL

What is an unspecified degree? When a university offers a degree course, it has to adhere to certain mandatory provisions of the UGC. For instance, the nomenclature of the degree course should be from the consolidated list of UGC’s approved nomenclature of degree(s), the minimum standard of instructions such as minimum entry-level qualification, duration of the programme etc should be as prescribed by UGC. Failure to comply with such provisions make the degree ‘unspecified’. Where is the list of specification of degrees available? The list is available on UGC’s website. The Commission, in the exercise of the power conferred by sub section (3) of Section 22 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 and with the approval of the Central government, specified the nomenclature of degrees and other mandatory requirements through a gazette notification on January 31, 2004. The notification is reviewed and updated by UGC from time to time and all universities are informed about it. Disadvantages of signing up for an unspecified degree? An unspecified degree is an invalid degree which will bar any degree holder from getting government jobs. With an unspecified degree, which is not in UGC’s consolidated list, students pursuing the programme do not know if the minimum standard of instruction is being followed. Varsities in consultation with UGC can change the nomenclature of a degree course and make it valid.