UGC aligns PG programme frameworks with NEP 2020; features, credit requirements

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has designed a curriculum and credit framework for Postgraduate (PG) programs in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NEP 2020 suggests restructuring PG programs to offer various options, including one-year PG, two-year PG, PG diploma, and an exit provision after the first year in two-year PG programmes.

The NEP proposes that universities should focus on providing postgraduate programmes in fundamental subjects like machine learning, alongside interdisciplinary fields such as "AI + X," and professional domains such as healthcare, agriculture, and law.

NEP 2020 recommendations for PG programmes

NEP 2020 recommends the following regarding the postgraduate programmes.

• A 2-year program may be available, with the second year dedicated solely to research, for those who have completed a 3-year Bachelor’s program.
• Students who complete a 4-year Bachelor’s program with Honours or Honours with Research may have the option of a 1-year PG program.
• An integrated 5-year Bachelor’s/Master’s program might be offered.
• Universities will aim to provide PG programs in fundamental areas like Machine Learning, interdisciplinary fields such as “AI + X,” and professional areas like healthcare, agriculture, and law.
• A National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) will be established. Higher education qualifications leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate will be defined by the NHEQF in terms of learning outcomes, with PG program levels set at 6, 6.5, and 7.
• The PG framework should align with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for the accreditation of all learning, as well as the assignment, accumulation, storage, transfer, and redemption of credits, subject to assessment.

UGC PG Curriculum Framework: Key features

Key features of the UGC PG curriculum framework include the following:

• Ability to transition between different fields of study.
• Option for undergraduate majors and minors to choose their major, minor, or another subject if they are able to prove their competence in a PG programme.
• Freedom for learners to select courses aligned with their interests.
• Flexibility to switch to alternative modes of learning (offline, ODL, Online learning and hybrid modes of learning).
• Mobility and flexibility under the UGC regulations and guidelines for Academic Bank of Credits and Multiple Entry and Exit in Higher Education Programs, supporting the "Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate Programs."

PG Programme: Eligibility and credit requirements

The eligibility criteria and credit requirements for PG Programme is mentioned below.

The UGC PG programme framework states, “A student is eligible for a PG programme in a discipline corresponding to either major or minor(s) discipline in UG programme. In this case, the University can admit the students in the PG programme based on the student’s performance in the UG programme or through an entrance examination.”