UGC extends deadline to send feedback on draft higher education qualification framework

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has extended the deadline for sending feedback on the draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework (NHEQF) till February 21, 2022. The draft has laid down details on learning outcomes required at different stages, ranging from undergraduate (UG) to PhD level. The stages have been broken down into eight levels with details of credit requirements for each.

According to the latest notice, “The UGC in its Public Notice dated 30th January 2022 has sought feedback, suggestions on the Draft National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), from stakeholders latest by l3th February 2022. In this regard, the last date for seeking feedback/suggestions has been extended till 21.02.2022. Feedback/suggestions may be sent at email: nepnheqf@gmail.com.”

As proposed in NEP 2020, universities can offer a three-year or four-year undergraduate degree with multiple entry and exit; the NHEQF allows for the use of Academic Bank of Credits.

To earn a certificate or diploma, a student will have to earn credit based on the amount of workload and learner engaged time. According to the draft, 40 credits will be required for a certificate, 80 for a diploma, 120 for a degree and 160 credits will be needed for a degree with honours and research components. Similarly for postgraduate diploma, students must earn 40 credits and 80 credits for a master’s degree.

Recently, the Delhi University Academic Council has passed the draft UG curriculum framework 2022. DU Academic Council members said, “The fixing of the academic year 2022-23 as the year of implementation of NEP 2020 is baseless. We see that the scheme is so faulty that in a year’s time this is the fourth model of FYUP placed by the University for discussion. Further, the UGCF does not follow the framework as stipulated by draft NHEQF.”