The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 brought about a wave of much-needed upgrades and changes in the Indian Education System. Among these, the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) decision to allow biannual admission in higher education institutions (HEIs) in regular mode from the 2024-25 academic session, has garnered widespread attention.
India has a vast higher education system that accommodates millions of students competing for spots in their desired universities every year. Since its establishment, the Indian higher education system has followed an annual admission cycle. But now, with the choice of biannual admissions, higher education institutions could potentially help increase their ‘gross enrollment ratio’ (GER), efficiently manage university resources, and address various issues such as reducing pressure on students.
Understanding the biannual admission system
Biannual admissions, as its name suggests implies a twice-a-year admission cycle. This system has already been followed by organizations abroad and is praised for offering flexibility to students.
In the highly competitive educational environment in India, biannual admissions pose a significant alleviation of some of the high-stakes pressure associated with the single, annual admission cycle.
On attempting the biannual admissions process for distance and online learning programs, UGC found that “permitting a second academic session in a year has helped nearly half a million students join their degree programmes without waiting for one full academic year”.
How will Indian institutions benefit from biannual admissions?
Biannual admissions offer a strategic advantage for universities, providing a range of benefits that enhance operational efficiency and student outcomes.
- Growth in enrollments: It will significantly allow institutions to increase their enrollment numbers by offering multiple admission cycles.
- Enhanced global collaboration: Biannual admissions will bring ease to Indian institutions for international collaborations and student exchange programs by aligning with global practices.
- Increased flexibility for students: Students won’t need to wait a year if they miss the first cycle due to delayed results or personal reasons.
- Improved resource management: It promises to improve functional flow within institutions with better planning of resource distribution, including faculty, laboratories, classrooms, and support services.
- Boosted employment opportunities: It will allow institutions and industries to conduct campus recruitment twice, boosting employment opportunities for graduates.
How to implement biannual admissions at your institution?
Central, State, and Deemed-to-be universities can adopt biannual admissions with amendments by their respective statutory bodies.
Affiliated colleges will need directions from their affiliating university, following approval from the Academic Council, Senate, and Syndicate to implement biannual admissions
Before transitioning to biannual admissions, institutions are advised to evaluate various software and operational requirements. This includes workforce needs for handling admissions in two sessions, infrastructure, faculty requirements, exam scheduling for both sessions, declaration of results, convocations, and related activities such as placements and support for graduates pursuing advanced study programs.
Using the right education CRM for a seamless implementation of biannual admissions
The changes in the admission process and its outcomes, proposed by the biannual admissions, highlight a critical need for robust solutions to aid educational institutions in effectively and seamlessly adapting to the change.
A CRM system for Admissions Management doesn’t just simplify admissions but also empowers the admissions team. It offers a comprehensive approach to managing the increased administrative load, ensuring resource efficiency, maintaining academic standards, and enhancing communication and student engagement.
This is where Meritto’s forward-thinking approach provides you with the Best Education CRM to ensure a seamless transition to biannual admissions and grow your enrollments. Whether it is an inquiry to enrollment funneling, form automation, student journey tracking, benefitting from a 360˚ communication suite, marketing ROI optimization, or an in-built payment and financing platform, we have got it all.
Conclusion
The transition to biannual admissions in Indian universities promises increased enrollments and redefined resource management, necessitating universities to efficiently manage their entire admission process in alignment with advancing technological trends.
And with Meritto’s Higher Education CRM, you can scale your enrollments with ease and automation accessing every update and process just a click away.
Trusted by over 1000+ education organizations globally for enrollment growth, it is your turn to transform the way you attract, engage, and enroll with Meritto.
Book a free 30-minute demo today and see how Meritto’s purpose-built CRM can grow your enrollments and upscale your admissions process.
