The terms UG and PG (undergraduate and postgraduate) refer to two important levels of higher education. Understanding the UG and PG full form and their differences is essential for students planning their academic journey. UG courses are pursued after completing 12th/equivalent, while PG courses are pursued after getting a bachelor's degree to specialize in a field. At Sharda University, students can choose from a wide range of UG and PG courses across engineering, management, arts, science, and more. Admission to these courses is based on merit and entrance exams like SUAT (Sharda University Admission Test), JEE, NEET, CLAT, and CAT, depending on the course. This guide covers everything about UG and PG courses, including full form, courses, admission process, eligibility criteria, and much more.
Navigating the higher education world can be complicated for a student. Though UG and PG (undergraduate and postgraduate) terms are used commonly in our education system, for many students these terms can still be confusing in terms of their meaning, course details, eligibility criteria, etc. So, whether you are a class 12 student or have completed your bachelor's degree, here in this blog, we will help you understand both UG (Undergraduate) and PG (Postgraduate) terms by breaking down all the key factors, including difference between UG and PG, full form, courses available, eligibility conditions, admission details and much more.
UG and PG Full Form
Undergraduate (UG)
UG, i.e., undergraduate programmes, are the courses a student pursues after completing their 12th/higher secondary education. This is the official first level of higher education in a student's life that provides foundational knowledge in a specific field and forms the base of UG and PG courses structure. Some of the courses that fall under the category of undergraduate courses are:
Postgraduate (PG)
While PG (postgraduate) programmes are advanced-level courses that are pursued by the students after completion of their UG degree. These courses offer specialization in a specific subject and are an important part of the UG and PG courses progression, offering deeper knowledge and enhancing their skills.
Some of the courses that fall under the category of postgraduate courses are:
Key Difference Between UG and PG
Understanding the difference between UG and PG is very important to have a clear understanding of the course criteria so that students can make better academic decisions.
| Feature |
Undergraduate (UG) |
Postgraduate (PG) |
| Requirement |
Class 12 |
Bachelor's Degree (UG) |
| Duration |
3–4 Years |
1–2 Years |
| Objective |
Foundational Knowledge |
Specialized Knowledge |
| Age Requirement |
17–21 years |
21+ years |
| Learning Method |
Structured, Classroom-based |
Both online and offline, research-oriented |
| Career Impact |
Entry-level roles in organization |
Mid-to-senior management & Specialist roles, specially for promotions |
| Salary Potential |
₹3L – ₹6L per annum |
₹6L – ₹15L+ per annum |
UG Courses at Sharda University
From the science stream to humanities, undergraduate courses are available in all the streams depending on the interest and career goals of a student.
1. Arts & Humanities Courses
- BA in English, History, Political Science, Digital Media,
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA),
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), etc.
2. Science Courses
- BSc (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics),
- BSc IT / Computer Science,
- BSc Biotechnology, etc.
3. Commerce & Management Courses
- BCom,
- BBA,
- Bachelor of Economics, etc.
4. Professional Courses
- BTech / BE,
- MBBS,
- BCA,
- LLB, etc.
PG Courses at Sharda University
Postgraduate courses help students to specialize in a specific subject or stream and build expertise.
1. Arts & Humanities Courses
- MA in English, Sociology, Psychology,
- Master of Social Work, etc.
2. Science Courses
- MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics,
- MSc IT,
- MSc Data Science, etc.
3. Commerce & Management Courses
- MCom,
- MBA in Finance, Marketing, HR, etc.
4. Professional Courses
Eligibility Criteria for UG & PG Programmes at Sharda University
Eligibility Criteria for UG Programmes
In order to apply for UG courses at Sharda University, students are required to fulfil the following mentioned conditions, as failure to comply with these conditions results in admission cancellation:
- Must have completed class 12 from a recognized board with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- For science courses, candidates must have PCM/PCB in their class 12; for commerce courses, a commerce background is preferred, while arts courses are open to all streams.
- For professional courses, candidates are required to appear for the entrance exams as well, like SUAT, JEE Main and advanced, NEET, CLAT, CUET, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for PG Programmes
For postgraduate courses, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:
- Interested candidates must have completed a UG (undergraduate) degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks.
- Candidates need to appear for an entrance exam like CAT, MAT, XAT, GATE, or the entrance exam conducted by Sharda University popularly known as SUAT.
Admission Process for UG & PG Courses at Sharda University
In order to get admission to UG and PG courses at Sharda University, interested candidates are required to follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Fill out online application form available at the official website of Sharda University.
- Check the eligibility criteria for the concerned programme.
- Appear for SUAT (Sharda University Admission Test) or any other relevant entrance exam.
- Appear for GD and PI rounds (as per the requirement).
- Get your documents verified by the concerned authorities of the institute and pay the required fee.
Career Opportunities After UG & PG
Top Career Options After UG
After completing their UG (undergraduate programme), students can either pursue higher studies like PG (postgraduate) courses or start working in the field they completed their studies in. You can start working in:
- Entry-level corporate jobs or MNCs
- Government jobs like the secretariat, RRB, etc.
- Or even if you are a startup enthusiast, you can start your own business too.
And if you are someone who is interested in pursuing higher education instead of starting working, then you can either opt for your concerned PG course in the specified field from a good, reputed college or opt for professional certifications that are valid in your field.
Top Career Options After PG
Once you are done with your postgraduate degree, you can open doors to advanced career roles in several fields, including:
- Managerial positions in top companies,
- Specialized professionals in MNCs,
- Researchers and academicians.
Some of the sectors that PG professionals can enter are:
- IT and Technology,
- Finance and Banking,
- Healthcare,
- Education and Research, etc.
UG vs PG: Which One Should You Choose?
Though the decision is very obvious: without pursuing UG you can't opt for PG courses. So once you have completed the 12th, you should explore the field you wish to make your career in and start your career journey. After completion of your UG course, if you wish to specialize in a specific field and aim for higher-level jobs, that too with a better salary, then PG is your path.
Popular UG and PG Courses
Conclusion
Choosing between UG and PG depends on your interests, career goals and long-term vision. But before starting your journey, it is important that you have a clear understanding of the difference between UG and PG, eligibility criteria and admission processes. UG courses lay the foundation of your professional career, while PG courses help you grow professionally.
FAQs
1. What is the full form of UG and PG?
UG stands for Undergraduate, and PG stands for Postgraduate.
2. Can I do PG without UG?
No, a UG degree is mandatory for PG courses.
3. What are the popular UG and PG courses at Sharda University?
Sharda University offers a wide range of UG (undergraduate) and PG (postgraduate) courses, including BTech, BBA, BSc, BA, BCA, MBA, MTech, MSc, MA, MCA, and much more.
4. How many years are UG and PG?
UG is a 3–4 year programme, while PG is a 1–2 year course.
5. Is PG necessary for a good career?
Not always, but it improves career growth and salary brackets.
