Dual Degree Programmes in India: Boon or bane for students?

Dual Degree Programmes in India: Boon or Bane for Students?

Dual degree programs, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, are transforming India’s higher education landscape. By allowing students to pursue two degrees simultaneously, these programs aim to foster multidisciplinary education and align Indian institutions with global standards. However, as they gain traction, dual degrees raise critical questions about their benefits and challenges.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.com, Kamlesh Vyas, Partner at Deloitte India, shared valuable insights into the potential of dual degrees.

“Dual degrees enable students to blend technical expertise with broader knowledge areas, such as humanities or economics. This fosters holistic skill sets that enhance employability and encourage innovation,” says Vyas. For instance, an engineering student pursuing a degree in economics gains an edge in understanding tech-driven economic models, opening doors to interdisciplinary careers.

Advantages of Dual Degree Programmes

• Enhanced Employability: “Employers value diverse skill sets. Dual degrees position students for unique roles that require knowledge across fields,” notes Vyas.
• Flexibility to Explore Interests: “Young students often aren’t sure of their career paths. Dual degrees offer them the flexibility to explore varied interests without being locked into a single discipline,” he explains.
• Global Relevance: “Globally, dual degrees are common and help Indian universities attract collaborations and foreign students,” he adds.
• Broader Skill Development: “Interdisciplinary education develops critical thinking and creativity, essential for professional and research success,” emphasizes Vyas.

Challenges to Consider

While dual degrees have clear advantages, they also pose challenges:

• Academic Overload: “Balancing two degrees can overwhelm students without proper guidance,” cautions Vyas.
• Resource Constraints: "Dual degree programmes could also create issues like clogging up university seats, where one student takes two slots, leaving fewer opportunities for others, says Vyas.
• Dilution of Learning: “If not managed carefully, they risk reducing depth in individual disciplines,” he warns.

"Globally, dual degrees are common, and many breakthroughs happen at the intersection of disciplines. We need to ensure students and universities are well-prepared for this model,” says Vyas.