How to Pursue One Sitting Degree | UGC Approved Universities – Complete Guide for 2026

Working professionals, dropout students, and adults who want to complete their education quickly often look for the One Sitting Degree option. In today’s competitive world, having a degree is essential for career growth, promotions, government exams, and job eligibility. This is where One Sitting Degree or Single Sitting Degree helps candidates complete their graduation in a shorter period through credit transfer, lateral entry

What Is a One Sitting Degree? 

A One Sitting Degree, also known as a Single Sitting Degree or Fast-Track Degree, is a special academic option designed for students or working professionals who previously discontinued their studies but want to complete their graduation quickly. Instead of studying for the full 3-year or 2-year duration, learners can appear for all pending exams in one single sitting through the Credit Transfer, Lateral Entry, or Break-in-Studies scheme offered by select UGC-approved universities.

This format allows candidates to use their past academic credits or work experience to finish their degree faster. It is especially beneficial for those who lost time due to personal, financial, or professional reasons. A One Sitting Degree is commonly available for BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BBM, MA, MCom, and MBA programs.

Is One Sitting Degree Valid? – UGC Guidelines

The UGC clearly states:

• No university in India can award a regular 3-year degree in just one year.
• However, students with discontinued education may complete their degree through the Credit Transfer System, Lateral Entry, or Break Study under UGC-DEB approved universities.
• Degrees earned through UGC-DEB universities in Open & Distance Learning (ODL) or Online Mode are valid for private jobs, government jobs, competitive exams, and higher education.

Who Can Apply for a One Sitting Degree?

You are eligible if:

✔️ You dropped out of college

Example: You completed 1st or 2nd year earlier but did not continue. Credit transfer helps you complete the remaining years.

✔️ You have backlogs from previous years

Candidates with multiple failed subjects can complete pending years through break-in-study guidelines.

✔️ You discontinued education for job or personal reasons

Working professionals often choose this option to become eligible for promotions or better positions.

✔️ You need a degree for career growth

One Sitting Degree offers a faster way to complete higher education without repeating all years again.

Popular One Sitting Degree Courses

UG Courses (One Sitting / Fast Track)

• BA
• BCom
• BSc
• BBA
• BCA
• BSW
• BLib
• BSc IT

PG Courses (Fast Track / Credit Transfer)

• MA
• MCom
• MSc
• MBA
• MCA
• MSW
• MLib

Professional Courses

• B.Tech (Lateral Entry for Diploma Holders)
• B.Ed Equivalent (Only as per NIOS/Distance learning rules)

How to Pursue a One Sitting Degree? – Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a simple and clear process to help you complete your One Sitting Degree:

Step 1: Choose the Right UGC-Approved University

Before anything else, verify:

• UGC approval status
• DEB (Distance Education Bureau) recognition
• Whether the university supports break-in-study, lateral entry, or credit transfer

Choosing the right university ensures that your degree is valid for government jobs, private jobs, and higher studies.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility for Credit Transfer

You will need to provide:

• Previous semester/year mark sheets
• Migration certificate (if applicable)
• Course details from your old institute
• Gap certificate (in case of break in study)

Based on what you have already studied, the university will let you know:

• How many credits can be transferred
• How many exams you need to appear for
• Duration needed to complete the degree

Step 3: Submit Documents for Verification

Common required documents:

• 10th Marksheet
• 12th Marksheet
• Previous college documents (if any)
• Migration Certificate
• Aadhar card / ID proof
• Passport size photos
• Gap Certificate (if required)

Document verification ensures your academic history is valid.

Step 4: Enroll in the Fast-Track / Lateral Entry Program

After verification, you will receive:

• Admission confirmation
• Study materials
• Exam schedule
• Student login ID (for online classes or assignments)

Step 5: Prepare and Appear for Examinations

Depending on the university:

• Exams can be Online, Offline, or Assignment-Based
• You may have to attend practical exams (for courses like BCA, MSc IT)

Step 6: Result and Degree Issuance

After exams:

• Marksheets are issued within 45–90 days
• Degree certificate is awarded after successful completion
• You can use the degree for government/competitive exams, jobs, or further studies

UGC-Approved Universities Offering One Sitting Degree Options in 2026

Here is a list of popular universities offering programs through credit transfer, lateral entry, and distance education, recognized by UGC-DEB:

1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

• India’s largest open university
• Offers BA, BCom, BBA, MA, MBA, MCA
• Valid for all government and private jobs

2. Lovely Professional University (LPU Distance Education)

• Offers UG & PG programs through ODL mode
• Supports lateral entry for certain courses

3. Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)

• Ideal for candidates with break-in-study
• BA, BCom, BSc, MA, MCom programs

4. Karnataka State Open University (KSOU)

• UGC-DEB approved
• Known for flexible learning options

5. Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU)

• Offers credit transfer and re-admission options

6. Uttaranchal University Online

• UGC-approved online degree provider
• Offers BBA, MBA, BCA, MCA

Advantages of Pursuing a One Sitting Degree

✔️ Saves time

Complete your UG or PG faster compared to a regular 3-year program.

✔️ Perfect for working professionals

Helps in job promotions, skill enhancement, and salary growth.

✔️ Valid for government and private sectors

If you complete the degree from UGC-DEB approved universities.

✔️ Cost-effective learning

Distance and online mode degrees are more affordable.

✔️ Flexible and convenient

Study from home with online classes, recorded lectures, and digital learning materials.

Is One Sitting Degree Allowed for Government Jobs?

Yes, if:

• The degree is from a UGC-DEB approved university
• You meet the exam eligibility criteria (like age, attempt limits, etc.)

Thousands of candidates use these degrees for:

• UPSC (for UG qualification)
• SSC
• Railways
• Banking exams
• State PSC jobs
• Private sector promotions

Final Thoughts

A One Sitting Degree is a smart and practical option for students who discontinued their education or working professionals who want to upgrade their career quickly. While UGC does not approve “one-day or one-exam degrees,” you can complete your degree faster legally through:

• Credit Transfer
• Lateral Entry
• Break Study
• Distance & Online Mode Programs

Always ensure that the university is UGC-DEB approved to enjoy full validity.