Context:
Undergraduate students in India will now have the option to accelerate or extend their degree completion times, thanks to new educational reforms. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADPs) and Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs), in alignment with the learner-centric objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Furthermore, the establishment of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) allows students with diverse learning capabilities to progress through their academic programs at their own pace, either faster or slower than the standard duration, by earning the necessary credits. This initiative aims to provide greater flexibility and cater to individual educational needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of higher education in India.
Relevance:
GS II: Education
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key Highlights of the UGC Initiative
- Benefits of the UGC Initiative
- National Credit Framework
Key Highlights of the UGC Initiative
Accelerated Degree Programs (ADPs)
- Purpose: Allows academically outstanding students to complete degrees faster than the traditional timeframe.
- Structure: A three-year program could be condensed into five semesters, while a four-year program might take only six or seven semesters.
- Eligibility and Process: Students can qualify based on their performance in the initial semesters, with HEIs setting up committees to oversee the eligibility and progression.
Extended Degree Programs (EDPs)
- Purpose: Provides students facing various challenges the option to extend their education timeline.
- Flexibility: Students can take fewer credits per semester, extending a standard program by up to two semesters.
Implementation Framework
- Role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
- Form committees to assess and recommend students for ADPs and EDPs.
- Manage adjustments in course loads and credits.
- Allocate up to 10% of admissions to ADPs.
- UGC Guidelines: Establish SOPs for academic content, credit systems, assessments, and degree issuance for both types of programs.
Benefits of the UGC Initiative
For Students
- Flexibility: Offers students the opportunity to tailor their educational journey to better suit their personal and professional needs.
- Support: Assists students in pursuing interdisciplinary studies or managing education alongside other commitments.
For Institutions
- Encourages institutions to adopt a more flexible and progressive educational model, keeping pace with global educational trends.
Equivalence with Standard Degrees
- Recognition: Degrees obtained through ADPs or EDPs are considered equivalent to traditional degrees for purposes of employment, further education, and recruitment.
- Acceptance: Ensured by directives that government departments, private sector entities, and recruitment bodies like the UPSC and state commissions will recognize these degrees just as they would traditional ones.
National Credit Framework
The National Credit Framework (NCrF), a pivotal element of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, represents a significant stride towards modernizing India’s educational system. It emphasizes flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and skill integration, which align with the needs of a dynamic global economy and a diverse society.
Development of NCrF
- Stakeholders Involved:
- School education bodies like CBSE, NCERT, and NIOS.
- Higher education authorities including UGC and AICTE.
- Vocational education overseen by NCVET and DGT.
- Coordination by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Key Features of the National Credit Framework
- Unified Credit System:
- Facilitates the accumulation and transfer of credits across different educational domains and disciplines.
- Offers a flexible, non-regulatory framework that encourages educational institutions to innovate and adapt.
- Student Flexibility:
- Allows for the accumulation of credits through various activities beyond traditional classroom settings, such as sports, arts, research projects, and internships.
- Empowers students to customize their educational trajectories to suit personal interests and professional aspirations.
- Alignment with Contemporary Needs:
- Tackles the prevalent skill mismatch by equipping students with relevant competencies for new-age careers and entrepreneurship.
- Promotes adaptability within higher education institutions to technological and economic shifts.
Impact on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Emphasis on Multidisciplinary Approach:
- Encourages the creation of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), envisioned as epicenters for scholarly and creative excellence.
- Supports a dual focus on generating knowledge and practical skill development, aligning educational outputs with societal and industrial demands.
- Democratization of Education:
- Enhances accessibility and inclusivity in higher education by integrating flexibility in learning pathways and reducing traditional academic elitism.
- Balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, making education more comprehensive and universally beneficial.
- Vocational and Skill Training:
- Elevates the status of vocational and skill-based training to be on par with conventional academic studies.
- Encourages institutions to diversify their roles from pure academic research to include skill training, promoting a holistic educational ecosystem.
-Source: Hindustan Times
