The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body in India responsible for overseeing the development and regulation of higher education institutions. It was started by the Ministry Of Education and is responsible for issuing guidelines on the regulation of teaching, research, and other educational policies in universities. The UGC plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of India and ensuring that academic institutions uphold high standards. In recent news, the UGC has released a Post graduate (Pg) curriculum and credit framework under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
This new framework introduces several key points that will help the education system. This includes,
aimed at enhancing flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and global competitiveness. Here are the six major updates:
According to UGC Chairman, the regulations are designed to remove disciplinary rigidity, provide greater autonomy to higher education institutions (HEIs), and offer students the freedom to shape their learning journeys. “The regulations incorporate provisions for multiple entry and exit recognition of prior learning, and the flexibility to pursue two UG/PG programs simultaneously. Students can choose any program irrespective of their past disciplinary qualification, provided demonstrate competency through relevant entrance examinations. Recognising the diverse learning modes promoted by NEP 2020, these reforms also allow HEIs to set attendance requirements tailored to evolving academic needs”. He stated.
The UGC’s new policy introduces diverse structures for postgraduate (PG) programs to accommodate the varied pathways of undergraduate education. Students with a three-year Bachelor’s degree can opt for a two-year PG program, with the second year focused on research. Meanwhile, graduates of four-year Bachelor’s programs are eligible for a one-year PG course. The framework also recommends an integrated five-year Bachelor’s/Master’s program for streamlined progression.
Under the new framework, postgraduate (PG) degrees are aligned with the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) at levels 6, 6.5, and 7, each with specific learning goals. The policy also introduces the Academic Bank of Credits to make it easier for students to transfer credits and offers multiple entry and exit options for more flexible academic pathways.
Additionally, colleges and universities that can handle admissions twice a year can now enroll students in July/August and January/February. This change reduces the waiting time for students and gives them more options to begin their studies, following international academic standards.
New Framework Key Updates By UGC:
Flexible Program Durations: Students now have the option to pursue one-year or two-year postgraduate programs, depending on their undergraduate qualifications. Additionally, a flexible exit system has been introduced, allowing students to leave after one year in a two-year program if they choose.
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Disciplines: The curriculum now encourages interdisciplinary studies and includes emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. It also consist of other professional fields like healthcare and law. This aims to provide students with relevant and future-ready skills.
Multiple Entry and Exit Points: The new framework incorporates the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), which allows students to enter or exit programs at different stages and transfer credits, enhancing student mobility across institutions. Coupled with the recognition of prior learning, this ensures that learners can seamlessly resume their studies or pivot to new areas of interest without starting over.
Integration with Undergraduate Programs: The policy suggests five-year programs that combine Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, making the academic journey smoother for students. Students with a four-year undergraduate degree (Honors or in related subjects) can also apply for advanced two-year postgraduate courses like M.E. or M.Tech.
Flexible Learning Modes: The new framework allows learning in different ways, including online, offline, and hybrid methods, making postgraduate education more flexible and accessible. Recognizing the shift toward hybrid learning, higher education institutions can now set their own attendance rules for different programs. With approval from their governing bodies, they can create attendance policies that balance traditional classroom learning with online and practical learning methods.
Admission and Eligibility Flexibility: Postgraduate courses no longer have strict requirements for specific subjects. Students can now choose programs in any field, regardless of their previous studies, as long as they pass the national or university-level entrance exams for their chosen course. To earn a Bachelor’s degree with a major in a particular subject, students need to complete at least 50% of their credits in that field. The rest of the credits can be used for skill-based courses, apprenticeships, or subjects from other areas. This flexible credit system helps students gain a well-rounded education with diverse skills and knowledge beyond their main field of study.
In conclusion, the UGC’s overhaul of the postgraduate curriculum, in alignment with the NEP 2020, brings significant reforms aimed at enhancing the flexibility and relevance of postgraduate education. By offering flexible program durations, interdisciplinary options, and a variety of learning modes, the new framework empowers students to tailor their education according to personal preferences and career goals. The integration of the Academic Bank of Credits and multiple entry and exit points further promotes mobility and accessibility. These updates ensure that postgraduate education is more adaptable, inclusive, and globally competitive, preparing students for the challenges of the future.
