| PYQ Relevance: Q) National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC CSE 2020) Q) The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2015) Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: The National Credit Framework (NCrF), derived from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, provides a flexible template for educational institutions to offer a unified accumulation and transfer of credits across multidisciplinary education, including skill education.
However, some remain resistant to the dynamic and forward-looking changes advocated by the NCrF, unwilling to adapt to India’s evolving societal, technological, and educational needs. In today’s editorial we will see how the Indian education system needs to remain relevant and competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) must revise their curricula to align with the NCrF and bridge skill mismatches.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The National Credit Framework (NCrF) represents a significant shift in India’s educational approach, aiming to create a more flexible, integrated, and student-centered learning environment that prepares individuals for the challenges of the 21st century.
| What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)? • The NCrF is a set of guidelines to be followed by schools, colleges and universities in adopting the credit system. These guidelines are based on the inter-ministerial committee report, the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) unveiled the draft NCrF in 2022. • The primary goal is to help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) balance vocational training with academic pursuits, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping individual futures and contributing to societal progress. • It brings the entire school education system under the ambit of credits for the first time. Only the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) follows a credit system. The NCrF also covers skill and vocational education. Features: • NCrF will allow students to attain NSQF-approved foundational skills developed by industry and be more employable. • The provision of micro-credentials will allow integration of quick educational upgradation/up-skilling. |
Significant Impact of National Credit Framework (NCrF)
- Credit Earning Opportunities: The National Credit Framework (NCrF) allows students to earn credits through various activities, including classroom teaching, laboratory work (like Atal Tinkering Labs), research projects, sports, arts, and vocational training, provided they undergo assessment.
- Broad Educational Scope: Students can accumulate credits from diverse experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, social work, and experiential learning. This flexibility is designed to cater to their academic and career aspirations.
- Integration of Vocational Training: It promotes a balanced approach between vocational training and academic pursuits, ensuring that both aspects are interlinked and equally valued in shaping students’ futures.
What are the present issues in implementation?
- Resistance to Change: Some educators are resistant to the NCrF, clinging to conventional educational methods. This reluctance challenges adapting to the evolving educational landscape shaped by societal and technological shifts.
- Need for Curriculum Revision: To remain relevant and competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) must revise curricula in alignment with the NCrF. This includes addressing skill mismatches that could hinder students’ career prospects.
How HEIs can work in a modern education environment?
- Dual Focus on Knowledge and Skills: HEIs should not only focus on producing knowledge but also equip students with practical skills necessary for emerging job roles and self-employment opportunities. This dual role is achievable through the adoption of the NCrF.
Differences between MERU (Multidisciplinary Education and Research University) Universities and Traditional Universities:
| MERU Universities by NEP | Traditional Universities | |
| Multidisciplinary Focus | It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to education, integrating various fields of study and promoting interdisciplinary research. | It often operates within rigid academic silos. |
| Research Orientation | MERUs are designed to serve as centers for advanced research and innovation, aspiring to make India a global hub for research and development. | Traditional universities may have limited research opportunities or focus primarily on undergraduate education. |
| Flexible Curriculum | The curriculum in MERUs is envisioned to be flexible, allowing students to explore various disciplines and gain credits through diverse activities. | Traditional universities often have a more structured curriculum with less room for interdisciplinary exploration. |
| Accessibility and Equity | MERUs aim to promote accessibility and equity in education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background. | Traditional universities may still face challenges related to inclusivity and equal access. |
Continuous Adaptation is the Key: (Way Forward)
- Support for Reforms: Promoting an inclusive higher education system requires supporting reforms that democratize education and enhance social equity. Continuous adaptation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is essential to avoid stagnation and maintain effectiveness.
- NEP 2020 and MERU Concept: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) model, aiming to cultivate scholars and intellectuals. However, HEIs should also prioritize vocational and skill training to improve student employability.
- Practical Skills and Social Mobility: A flexible curriculum, as proposed in the National Credit Framework (NCrF), enables students to acquire practical skills, making higher education a vehicle for social mobility. Resistance to structural changes in education often stems from outdated pedagogical methods that do not address current economic and social realities.
- Need for Curriculum Reimagining: To align with modern needs, higher education curricula must integrate flexibility and multidisciplinary approaches, ensuring that institutions prepare students for emerging challenges in the job market.
Conclusion: There is a need to integrate flexibility, multidisciplinary approaches, and skill-based courses to transform India into an economic powerhouse and technological leader. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should emphasize both vocational and skill training alongside fundamental research and innovation.
