MP Govt Introduces Entrance Test for Cross-Stream PG Courses

Eligible students will be required to pass the CUET PG or a new state-level eligibility exam before being admitted to cross-curricular PG programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

In a major policy change announced this week by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) in Madhya Pradesh, undergraduate students wishing to change disciplines at the postgraduate (PG) level—for example, BA/BCom graduates opting for master's programs—are now required to pass an entrance exam. Eligible students will have to pass the PG 2025 CUET or a new state-level eligibility exam before being admitted to interdisciplinary PG programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

Previously, students were free to change programs—such as from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree or from a bachelor of science degree to a master of science degree—without taking additional exams. This change, effective immediately, closes this long-standing loophole, aiming to ensure academic readiness for subject-specific postgraduate courses. Tulsi Ram Dahayat, officer on special duty at the DHE, confirmed the policy change and stated that detailed guidelines for implementing and scheduling the exams will soon be sent to state universities.

Increased exam pressure: University students who were planning to cross disciplines now face the task of preparing for the CUET, or the new eligibility exam, under potentially tight deadlines.

Affected admissions deadlines: The requirement may delay admissions cycles and academic calendars as exam dates and results declarations are condensed.

Demand-driven policy: The change reportedly responds to student demand and seeks to ensure that graduate students have the appropriate academic foundation in their chosen fields.

Broader Implications:

Institutional impact: Universities and training centers will have to adjust their modules and advising schedules.

Change in student strategy: Applicants must now plan for additional admissions exams, even if they didn't need to before, which impacts preparation and resource allocation.