UGC to bring a credit-centric approach in HEIs – Times of India

By Aditya Wadhawan
Credit-centric approach would allow the students to decide their academic trajectory as per their interests and career aspirations
The University Grants Commission has proposed that students be given certificates, diplomas, and degrees after earning the required number of credits, regardless of the minimum duration of the programme. The aim of this decision is to strengthen the system of multiple entry and exit options in the higher education ecosystem of the country. Students would be awarded a certificate, diploma, three-year degree, and four-year degree once they earn 40, 80, 120, and 160 credits respectively. Adoption of the credit-centric approach would make the higher education ecosystem in the country similar to that of foreign countries. This policy-centric decision is in sync with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Speaking to Education Times, Prof Manish Ratnakar Joshi, secretary, UGC, says, “This credit-based academic system would be instrumental in providing academic flexibility to students. This type of credit system is followed in many North American and European countries and hence, it will bring the higher education ecosystem in India to par with the best global educational practices. The credits that students would earn would be transferred to their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) account.”
“We have also decided to revise the degree specifications to introduce varied degree nomenclatures. Till now the universities have not been awarding certificates to the students, but now with the introduction of this new nomenclature, they would be required to give it to students who exit after one year,” adds Joshi.