Why in News?

Undergraduate students in India will soon have the flexibility to complete their degrees earlier or extend them beyond the standard duration.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADPs) and Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs), aligning with the learner-centric objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The National Credit Framework (NCrF) enables learners with varying learning abilities to move through the curriculum at rates faster or slower than the standard duration of a programme by earning the required credits.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?
• Key Highlights of the UGC Initiative
• Benefits of the UGC Initiative
• Conclusion

What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?

• About:
  • The NEP 2020 has introduced visionary reforms to dismantle the colonial legacy in India's education system.
  • Among its transformative initiatives is the National Credit Framework (NCrF), which promotes flexibility, skill integration, and multidisciplinary education to address India’s evolving societal and economic needs.
• Developed by:
  • School education (CBSE, NCERT and NIOS),
  • Higher education (UGC, AICTE),
  • Vocational education (NCVET and DGT),
  • Overall representation (Ministry of Education and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship).
• Key features:
  • 
  • Unified credit accumulation and transfer:
    • NCrF allows the seamless accumulation and transfer of credits across disciplines, including skill and vocational education.
    • It provides an enabling, non-regulatory framework for educational institutions.
  • Flexibility for students:
    • Credits can be earned through diverse activities, such as Classroom teaching and laboratory work; Research projects, sports, yoga, performing arts, and social work; Internships, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.
    • This approach enables students to tailor their academic paths based on interests and career goals.
  • Alignment with modern needs:
    • NCrF addresses the skill mismatch by equipping students with competencies for emerging jobs and self-employment.
    • Encourages HEIs to adapt to economic and technological advancements.
• Impact on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
  • Multidisciplinary education and research:
    • NEP 2020 advocates the establishment of multidisciplinary education and research universities (MERUs) as hubs for intellectual growth.
    • HEIs are encouraged to focus on both knowledge production and vocational training to meet diverse societal needs.
  • Democratisation of education:
    • By promoting flexibility and skill integration, the NCrF ensures that higher education is accessible and inclusive.
    • Reduces elitism in higher education by balancing theoretical and practical learning.
  • Vocational and skill training:
    • Vocational and skill training is placed on par with traditional academic pursuits.
    • Institutions can specialise in various roles, from fundamental research to skill development, fostering interconnected processes.

Key Highlights of the UGC Initiative:

• Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADPs):
  • Students with exceptional academic performance can graduate earlier by earning additional credits per semester.
  • A three-year programme can be completed in five semesters, and a four-year programme in six or seven semesters.
• Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs):
  • Students facing personal, financial, or academic challenges can extend their degree duration by up to two semesters.
  • Fewer credits per semester are required for extended timelines.
• Implementation framework:
  • Role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
    • HEIs will form committees to evaluate student eligibility for ADPs and EDPs based on credit-completion potential and performance in the first or second semester.
    • These committees will recommend adjustments in the number of courses and credits per semester.
    • HEIs will allocate up to 10% of their student intake for ADPs.
  • Guidelines by UGC: SOPs have been issued to standardise academic content, credit systems, assessments, and degree issuance for both programmes.

Benefits of the UGC Initiative:

• For students:
  • Supports those pursuing interdisciplinary or professional courses and students balancing education with other commitments.
  • Provides flexibility to tailor academic journeys based on individual needs and learning abilities.
• For institutions: Encourages a flexible and modern approach to higher education, aligning with global trends.
• Equivalence with standard degrees:
  • Degrees completed through ADPs or EDPs will be treated on par with those of standard duration for employment, academic, and recruitment purposes.
  • Government departments, private organisations, and recruiting agencies like UPSC and State Service Commissions will recognise these degrees equally.

Conclusion:

By enabling students to accelerate or extend their academic timelines, the initiative empowers them to navigate their educational goals more effectively while maintaining academic equivalence and credibility.