Ask & Answer: India's Largest Education Community

A degree course is usually 3 to 4 years long course conferred by a UGC-recognised university, after the completion of a course. An institute cannot confer a degree. A Diploma is a short-term course, lasting 1 or 2 years, and is not necessarily given by a university. It could be conducted by an institute or Polytechnic as well. Only a university can confer a degree. To pursue higher education, a degree from only a UGC approved university is accepted. An institute, a Polytechnic or even a university can offer a Diploma course. There is no need for the institute or the university to be UGC or AICTE approved. Typically, there is one subject that you major in, called the specialisation whereas other subjects are called electives. A Diploma is a specific academic award usually awarded for professional/vocational courses. A degree holder is preferred over a Diploma holder in the same field. The relative importance of a Diploma, when compared to a degree course is less.