The University Grants Commission (UGC) has published a curriculum and credit structure for Postgraduate (PG) courses under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It makes transformational proposals for postgraduate education in India, seeking to modernize and diversify learning routes.
This policy suggests several frameworks for postgraduate courses, recognizing the variety of undergraduate education.
Students holding a three-year bachelor’s degree can enroll in a two-year postgraduate program, devoting their last year to research projects. Those who earn a four-year bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, can enroll in a one-year postgraduate program.
Furthermore, the policy recommends a thorough 5-year integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s curriculum.
The curriculum under this new framework will include core areas such as Machine Learning, interdisciplinary fields like “AI + X,” and specific professional domains, encompassing sectors such as healthcare and law. By emphasizing these diverse specialties, the policy reflects an alignment with contemporary global academic and professional trends.
Under the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), postgraduate degrees will correlate with levels 6, 6.5, and 7, outlining clear learning outcomes at each stage. The NEP 2020 fosters flexibility and mobility by promoting credit transfers and allowing multiple entry and exit points in PG programs, adhering to the UGC’s regulatory guidelines.
The PG curriculum has been redesigned to promote cross-disciplinary learning and align courses with student interests. Eligibility criteria for PG programs are based on undergraduate performance and entrance examinations, considering the student’s academic focus. Online programs have been expanded to provide quality education without geographical constraints, allowing students to diversify their expertise and tailor their academic journeys to suit their career goals.
Professional work experience has been recognized as academic credit, reducing the time spent on postgraduate programs. Advanced courses in the 400-499 range offer an enriched blend of practical and theoretical training, preparing students for specialized studies. For those with a 4-year bachelor’s degree, 500-599 level courses offer opportunities for original research, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
The policy innovations under NEP 2020 allow postgraduate students to shift their specialization areas based on prior qualifications or entrance exam performance, providing greater academic freedom and adaptability. To ensure academic integrity and quality, continuous and formative assessment strategies, rigorous plagiarism checks, and a comprehensive grading system are enforced. The Academic Bank of Credit system facilitates the seamless transfer and accumulation of credit points, supporting both horizontal and vertical mobility within higher education.
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Source: India Today
