What is a One Sitting Degree?

A One Sitting Degree, also known as a Single Sitting Degree, is an educational approach that allows students to complete their entire graduation or post-graduation in just one academic year. It is designed especially for students who had to discontinue their education midway due to personal, financial, or professional reasons. This fast-track degree mode provides an opportunity to complete a 3-year degree program (like BA, BCom, BSc) or a 2-year master's program (like MA, MCom, MSc) in a single academic session by using credit transfer, lateral entry, or break-in-study methods

How Does a One Sitting Degree Work?

A One Sitting Degree functions on the concept of credit transfer and lateral entry. If a student has previously completed parts of a degree program but discontinued it, the earned credits can be transferred to a recognized university offering one sitting options. For those without any prior college education, the degree can still be pursued through break-in-study mode by appearing for all the exams in a single sitting.

Once enrolled, the student will need to prepare for the exams corresponding to the complete syllabus of a three-year or two-year program and then appear in a single comprehensive exam, typically conducted at the end of the academic year.

This system is legal under the guidelines of UGC and certain universities that offer flexibility in distance or open learning modes. It is not a shortcut or fake degree; it merely condenses the academic journey into one final exam session for qualifying individuals.

Eligibility Assessment

Eligibility for a One Sitting Degree depends on several factors:

  • Educational Background: Candidates must have completed 10+2 for a bachelor's degree and graduation for a master's degree.
  • Gap in Education: Most universities require a minimum 3-year gap from the last year of formal education to be eligible for the break-in-study route.
  • Work Experience: Some institutions allow enrollment based on relevant work experience, especially for vocational or technical programs.
  • Previous Academic Credits: If the student has partially completed a course earlier, credit transfer options can reduce the number of subjects required.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum for a One Sitting Degree is identical to that of a regular 3-year or 2-year program offered in conventional formats. It includes:

  • Core subjects aligned with the program selected (e.g., Accounting in BCom, Political Science in BA)
  • Elective subjects that offer specialization options
  • Assignments or internal assessments (in some universities)
  • Final examinations covering all years of the degree

Students are typically provided with self-learning materials, online classes (if available), and support resources. However, due to the accelerated format, self-discipline and consistent study are crucial for success.

Examination

The most critical component of a One Sitting Degree is the final examination, which covers all the semesters or years of the course in one go. The exam format may include:

  • Theory papers
  • Practical exams (for science or technical courses)
  • Project submissions (in select programs like BCA, MCA, or MBA)

Exams are conducted either offline at designated centers or online, depending on the university's mode of delivery. Results are usually declared within 2–3 months, and successful candidates are awarded a regular degree with no mention of “one sitting” on the certificate.

Who Can Benefit from a One Sitting Degree?

This model of education is best suited for:

  • College dropouts who couldn't complete their degrees due to personal reasons
  • Working professionals needing a degree for job promotion or higher education
  • Homemakers who had to leave studies mid-way and want to restart
  • Over-aged students who are not eligible for regular college admissions
  • Students with long academic gaps who want to restart their education journey
  • Entrepreneurs or freelancers seeking academic credentials for credibility

Advantages of a One Sitting Degree

  1. Time-Saving: Complete graduation or post-graduation in 1 year.
  2. Cost-Effective: Reduces years of tuition, living, and commuting costs.
  3. Career-Oriented: Ideal for professionals needing quick certifications.
  4. Flexible Learning: Suitable for distance and online learning modes.
  5. UGC Approved Options: Many reputed universities offer valid degrees under this mode.
  6. No Regular Classes: Allows working individuals to study at their convenience.
  7. Resume Booster: Helps overcome career stagnation due to lack of degree.

One Sitting Degrees in India and Worldwide

In India, many UGC-DEB-approved universities offer One Sitting Degree options through distance learning modes. These include:

  • Acharya Nagarjuna University
  • Karnataka State Open University
  • Subharti University
  • Himalayan University
  • NIMS University
  • MCM Academy (for guidance and enrollment support)

Globally, countries like UK, USA, and UAE allow credit transfer and fast-track degrees, especially in online and adult education formats. However, it's essential to check local accreditation and recognition policies before enrolling.

Popular Courses Offered Under Single Sitting Degrees

Some of the most demanded one-sitting programs include:

Undergraduate Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

Postgraduate Degrees:

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Commerce (MCom)
  • Master of Science (MSc)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

Are Single Sitting Degrees Valid?

Yes, One Sitting Degrees are valid if pursued from UGC-DEB recognized universities under distance or open education formats. These degrees are:

  • Eligible for private and government job applications
  • Recognized by higher education institutions for further studies
  • Valid for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, or state-level PSCs (if meeting other eligibility)

However, candidates should always verify the university's recognition status on the UGC-DEB website before enrolling to avoid fraudulent institutions.

How to Enroll in a One Sitting Degree Program

Here is a step-by-step process to enroll:

  1. Eligibility Check: Submit academic documents for assessment.
  2. Counseling: Get course suggestions based on your background.
  3. Select University: Choose a UGC-DEB approved institution.
  4. Document Submission: Provide necessary documents like marksheets, ID proof, gap affidavit, etc.
  5. Fee Payment: Pay the required program fee.
  6. Study Material Access: Get materials and online access (if available).
  7. Exam Registration: Appear for exams at the end of the academic cycle.
  8. Degree Awarded: Receive your degree certificate after results.

Conclusion: Is a One Sitting Degree Right for You?

A One Sitting Degree is a powerful solution for learners who missed out on traditional education due to time, money, or personal hurdles. It offers an authentic, flexible, and recognized pathway to academic growth and professional advancement. However, it requires commitment, focused self-study, and choosing the right university. If you're someone looking to complete your education swiftly without sacrificing your career momentum, then a One Sitting Degree might just be your perfect fit in 2025.