Draft UGC rules moot flexibility for students

Draft UGC rules moot flexibility for students 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 06.12.2024

New Delhi : Students from any stream in Class 12 can now pursue an UG programme of their choice, and UG students can join any PG discipline, provided they clear a nationalor universitylevel entrance exam, such as CUET, according to a draft of new UGC regulations aiming to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education.

UGC also proposes to offer biannual admissions, flexibility in minimum credit requirements to obtain a degree, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities through an option of pursuing two programmes simultaneously. The regulations released on Thursday for feedback and suggestions, will be applicable to central, state, private and deemed universities. These aim at dismantling the traditional disciplinary rigidities by allowing students to choose programmes outside their prior streams, provided they meet entrance exam requirements. 

Latest framework encourages recognition of prior learning 

Irrespective of the disciplines taken by a student in level 4/class 12 schooling, a student is eligible for admission in any discipline of UG programme, if the student qualifies the national level or university level entrance examination in the discipline of UG programme,” according to the regulations. UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said, "The draft UGC regulations, 2024, aim at transforming higher education by promoting flexibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. 

By  removing rigid disciplinary boundaries, students can now explore diverse learning opportunities, ensuring India's education system evolves to global standards." The latest framework also encourages mobility between vocational and general education, and recognition of prior learning — whereby students' professional experiences can translate into academic credits. Under these regulations, higher education institutions (HEIs) are authorised to conduct admissions twice a year — during July/Aug, and Jan/Feb. 

The draft further introduces options for multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to transition between academic levels with interim certifications such as diplomas or degrees, depending on their earned credits. Minimum of 50% of total credits must be earned in the student's chosen core subject to obtain a degree, while the remaining can be accumulated through multidisciplinary or skill-based courses. The reforms also redefine attendance norms, allowing HEIs to tailor minimum requirements based on the programme structure, in align ment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The focus on continuous formative assessment and flexibility in curriculum content reflects a commitment to fostering holistic and multidisciplinary education, the UGC said.

The regulations also have provisions for three or four year duration for UG degrees, with optional extensions under the extended degree programme or acceleration via the accelerated degree programme. For PG a two-year programme is standard, though graduates from four-year UG courses may qualify for a one year master's programme. The UGC has also acknowledged learning acquired through non-formal channels, introducing the recognition of prior learning provision. The regulations advocate for the integration of skilling, internships, and apprenticeships into UG and PG curricula. The credit-based structure aims at seamless transitions and interdisciplinary exploration, with the academic bank of credits serving as a centralised repository for credit storage and transfer across institutions.