UGC draft norms moot biannual admissions

Context: The University Grants Commission published the Draft UGC (Minimum
Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations, 2024
on Thursday allowing enrolment of students in higher education institutions
(HEIs) twice a year. The regulations also allow students to join two
undergraduate or postgraduate programmes simultaneously and make UG and PG
aspirants eligible for admission in any discipline of their choice, besides
offering a multiple entry-exit option. Undergraduate students in India will
soon have the flexibility to complete their degrees earlier or extend them
beyond the standard duration.

Key points

·       Overview: 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.

·       National
Credit Framework (NCrF): 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.

Ø  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.

Ø  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.

Ø  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.

·       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.

·       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.