Difference between Honours and General Degrees
Many universities in India and abroad provide UG programmes in two streams, such as honours and general. These two programmes are entirely different from one another in terms of course structure and syllabus. Like many other universities, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) also provides its degrees under the two categories. The differences between honours and general degrees are given below.
General Degree
- It is not specialized in a single subject or discipline.
- It is a mix of disciplines or subjects. (English+Sociology+Economics, etc)
- Learners can opt or select multiple subjects or main for their degree programmes.
- General degrees give you general ideas about different disciplines.
Honours Degree
- Specialized in a single subject.
- The majority of the courses are selected from a single discipline or subject, except for a few courses.
- Honours degrees give you depth knowledge in a single discipline.
- It gives you a detailed or focused study on a single subject.
Which is best? Honours Degree or General Degree?
It is not possible to answer this question. The benefits of the two programs depend on the need of the learners. Now let us have a look at the benefit of each programme.
General Degree
- General study on different disciplines.
- Less harder than honours
- Those who want to study competitive exams like PSC and UPSC.
- Those who want to seek jobs in the public and private sectors.
- To seek promotion
Hnours Degree
- Depth, focused and detailed study of a discipline.
- Harder than General Degree
- It is more suitable for those who want to study further.
- Those who want to become a teacher in a subject.
- Those who want to register for Ph.D.
Each degree has to perform a particular function in our academic and professional life. Therefore, before choosing any programme you have to analyze it.