The University Grants Commission, UGC, has asked universities to follow the norms in awarding degrees to students without delay or face punitive action. The move comes after the UGC received many complaints about the delay on the part of the varsities in awarding degrees.<br/><br/>In a letter to Vice Chancellors, UGC secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said as per the regulations, the degree award date shall be within 180 days from the day of the date by which the students are expected to qualify and become eligible for them. He said a span of 180 days from the day the results are out are more than sufficient to perform the task which constitutes perhaps one of the most fundamental and primary duties of a university.