The University Grants Commission (UGC) continues to push forward reforms in higher education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP). In September 2025, the UGC introduced the UGC Design Minor Framework 2025, a new academic initiative that allows non-design students to earn credits in design subjects. This policy marks a significant step toward integrating creativity with mainstream education, giving students from engineering, commerce, humanities, and science backgrounds the chance to explore design as a formal discipline.
The framework is designed to encourage innovation, problem-solving, and aesthetic skills among students. By bridging technical knowledge with creative thinking, the UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 is expected to prepare graduates for a multidisciplinary future.
What is the UGC Design Minor Framework 2025?
The UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 is a structured academic program under which universities and colleges can offer design as a minor subject. A “minor” refers to a secondary area of study pursued alongside a student’s primary degree. For example, an engineering student can now graduate with a major in engineering and a minor in design.
The framework allows students to earn 18–24 credits in design courses, which are integrated into their degree program without requiring additional years of study.
Why Introduce Design as a Minor?
The UGC recognized that design skills are becoming increasingly valuable across industries. Some reasons for introducing the Design Minor Framework 2025 include:
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Industry Demand: Employers seek professionals who combine technical expertise with design thinking.
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Creativity Boost: Encourages students to think outside the box and solve problems innovatively.
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Multidisciplinary Learning: Breaks barriers between arts, science, commerce, and technology.
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Global Standards: Aligns Indian education with international practices where design minors are common.
This move ensures students graduate with both employable skills and creative competencies.
Who Can Opt for the Design Minor?
The UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of their field of study. Key eligibility points include:
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Students must already be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program.
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The minor can be pursued alongside any degree—B.Tech, B.Com, BA, B.Sc, or others.
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Colleges must have approved design faculty or partnerships with design institutes to offer the minor.
This inclusivity ensures that students from diverse academic backgrounds can benefit.
Curriculum and Structure
The UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 outlines a flexible curriculum that includes:
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Core Courses: Basics of design principles, history, and design thinking.
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Applied Courses: UI/UX design, product design, graphic design, and sustainability.
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Project Work: Hands-on projects, portfolios, and workshops.
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Industry Exposure: Internships or collaborations with companies in the design sector.
By completing 18–24 credits, students will receive an official recognition of their minor in design upon graduation.
Benefits of the Design Minor
Adopting the UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 offers multiple advantages for students:
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Better Employability: Companies prefer graduates with creative problem-solving skills.
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Portfolio Building: Students graduate with practical design projects.
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Entrepreneurial Edge: Design skills complement business ideas and startups.
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Higher Studies Opportunities: Students can pursue design-related post-graduation without starting from scratch.
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Personal Growth: Enhances creativity, adaptability, and innovation.
These benefits make the framework highly relevant in today’s job market.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its potential, the UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 faces some challenges:
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Lack of trained design faculty in smaller colleges.
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Infrastructure needs like design labs and software.
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Resistance from traditional academic institutions.
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Ensuring uniform quality across universities.
The UGC has recommended partnerships between universities and professional design institutes to overcome these issues.
Future of Design Education in India
The UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 is expected to reshape India’s higher education landscape. By democratizing design education, it ensures that creativity is not limited to specialized design schools but accessible to all students. Over the next few years, this initiative could lead to a new wave of graduates skilled in both technical and creative domains, boosting innovation across industries.
Conclusion
The UGC Design Minor Framework 2025 represents a progressive step in education reform, offering students the chance to integrate design with their core subjects. With 18–24 credits, a multidisciplinary approach, and industry exposure, the framework equips learners with creative skills that enhance employability and innovation. For India’s youth, this initiative opens new doors to academic and professional growth.
FAQs
Who can opt for the UGC Design Minor Framework 2025?
Any undergraduate student from engineering, commerce, science, or arts streams can choose design as a minor.
How many credits are required for a design minor?
Students must complete 18–24 credits in design-related courses.
Will this extend the duration of a degree?
No, the design minor is integrated into the existing degree structure.
What subjects are included in the curriculum?
Courses include design thinking, graphic design, UI/UX, product design, and sustainability.
How will it benefit students in jobs?
Graduates gain creative problem-solving skills and a design portfolio, making them more attractive to employers.
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