The Full form of PUC is Pre-University Course. It is also known as Pre-Degree Course (PDC). It refers to an intermediate course which is commonly known as 10+2. The duration of the course is 2 years. PUC is conducted by state education boards or institutions in India. The course is offered by both public and private schools which are affiliated to CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) or respective state education boards.
The students who have successfully cleared the final exam of 10th class are eligible for PUC. They can choose to study Commerce, Arts, or Science in this course. A student desiring to get admission to any university of India must pass this course, which is considered as a base course to prepare students for university education. Admission to Pre-University Course is based on marks obtained in the high class or SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), awarded after successful completion of 5 years of primary education, followed by 5 years of secondary school.
The education system of India follows a 10+2+3 pattern, so that a bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 10 years of school, 2 years of Pre-University Course, and either 3, 4 or 5 years at university. Colleges offering a PUC are known as Junior Colleges or PU colleges in India.