The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a new curriculum and credit framework for postgraduate (PG) programmes under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative seeks to revolutionise postgraduate education in India by aligning it with global academic trends and offering diverse learning pathways.
Flexible Structures for PG Programmes
The policy proposes multiple frameworks for PG education, catering to students with varying undergraduate qualifications:
- 2-Year PG Programmes: For students with a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, with the second year focusing on research.
- 1-Year PG Programmes: For students who have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s degree.
- Integrated 5-Year Programmes: Combining Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for a seamless academic journey.
This flexibility enables students to choose pathways suited to their academic and professional aspirations.
Curriculum Innovations and Cross-Disciplinary Learning
The revamped curriculum incorporates modern disciplines and interdisciplinary courses, such as:
- Core Areas: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (“AI + X”).
- Professional Domains: Healthcare, law, and more.
Cross-disciplinary learning and course selection based on student interests are strongly encouraged, fostering academic exploration and creativity.
Credit Transfers and Academic Flexibility
Under the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), postgraduate degrees align with levels 6, 6.5, and 7, ensuring clear learning outcomes.
- Credit Transfers: Students can seamlessly move between institutions or disciplines.
- Multiple Entry-Exit Options: Enable students to pause and resume their studies without losing progress.
The Academic Bank of Credit system supports this flexibility by allowing the accumulation and transfer of credit points.
Work Experience as Academic Credit
A standout feature of the policy is the recognition of professional work experience for academic credit. Through this initiative:
- Relevant work experience can reduce the duration of PG programmes.
- Students gain recognition for practical expertise, aligning education with industry realities.
Online Education and Dual Degrees
In response to the demand for flexible education, the framework supports:
- Online Programmes: Allowing students to access quality education remotely.
- Simultaneous Degree Enrollments: Enabling learners to pursue multiple degrees concurrently, broadening their skill sets and career opportunities.
Emphasis on Advanced Learning
For students pursuing advanced studies:
- 400-499 Level Courses: Blend undergraduate and postgraduate learning, enhancing foundational and specialised skills.
- 500-599 Level Courses: Encourage original research and critical thinking, vital for competitive career paths.
Students can also change their specialisation based on prior qualifications or entrance exam results, offering unparalleled adaptability.
Ensuring Quality and Integrity
To maintain academic excellence, the framework enforces:
- Continuous assessment and grading systems.
- Strict plagiarism checks.
- Enhanced formative evaluation strategies.
These measures ensure that students achieve academic and professional milestones with integrity.
The UGC’s new framework under NEP 2020 is a significant step toward modernising India’s postgraduate education, offering flexibility, innovation, and inclusivity to meet the evolving needs of students and the global job market.
