Why in the News?

The latest guidelines from the University Grants Commission (UGC) mark a significant transformation in India’s higher education system.

What are the Draft Guidelines by UGC in 2025?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new draft guidelines for undergraduate education in India, which include:

• Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADP): This allows students to complete their degrees faster by earning additional credits per semester. Students can opt for this after their first or second semester based on their academic performance. A three-year degree can be completed in five semesters, while a four-year degree can be finished in six or seven semesters.
• Extended Degree Programmes (EDP): This option enables students facing personal or academic challenges to extend their study duration, allowing them to take fewer credits per semester. There is no upper limit on the number of students who can enroll in EDP, unlike ADP, which may have a cap of 10% of the sanctioned intake.

What are the advantages of adapting new guidelines?

• Greater Flexibility: The new guidelines allow for biannual admissions, enabling students to enroll in higher education programs twice a year. This flexibility helps students who may have missed the initial admission cycle or face personal challenges, reducing the risk of losing an entire academic year.
• Multiple Entry and Exit Options: Students can now enter and exit programs as needed, which accommodates various life circumstances and promotes lifelong learning. This approach aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on inclusivity and adaptability.
• Holistic Development: The guidelines promote multidisciplinary learning by allowing students to earn credits in skill development, apprenticeships, or other subjects outside their major discipline. This fosters a more well-rounded educational experience.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): The introduction of RPL allows individuals to gain formal recognition for skills and knowledge acquired through informal or experiential learning. This enhances career prospects and supports the integration of informal workers into the education system.
• Alignment with Global Standards: By adopting these flexible structures, Indian higher education can better align with international practices, improving student mobility both within India and abroad.

What are the challenges in adapting new guidelines?

• Administrative Complexity: Implementing these new guidelines requires significant changes to existing administrative structures and processes within higher education institutions (HEIs). This can be daunting for institutions already facing resource constraints.
• Quality Assurance Concerns: There are concerns about maintaining educational quality and rigor, especially in accelerated programs where the curriculum is compressed. This could lead to superficial understanding of key concepts among students.
• Equity Issues: Students from underprivileged backgrounds may struggle to navigate the new system without adequate support, potentially leading to higher dropout rates if they cannot keep pace with peers.
• Faculty Adaptation: Educators will need professional development to adjust to new pedagogical models that emphasize flexibility and interdisciplinary learning. The success of these reforms depends not only on student adaptation but also on faculty capability to support diverse learning needs effectively.

What are the practical issues? 

• Curriculum Restructuring: Implementing these new formats requires significant changes to existing curricula and teaching methodologies, which could strain resources at many institutions.
• Administrative Frameworks: Institutions must develop robust systems for tracking student progress, managing credit transfers, and recognizing academic achievements effectively.
• Digital Divide: The shift towards digitalization in education could exacerbate inequalities among students from different socio-economic backgrounds if adequate support systems are not established.
• Faculty Development: Educators will need professional development to adapt to new teaching models that emphasize flexibility and interdisciplinary learning.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Provide financial support, upgrade infrastructure, and streamline administrative systems to manage credit transfers, biannual admissions, and curriculum restructuring effectively.
• Ensure Inclusivity and Quality: Offer targeted support for underprivileged students, bridge the digital divide, and invest in faculty development programs to maintain educational quality and equity.

Mains PYQ:

Q National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)

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