New UGC framework transforms PG studies with flexible multidisciplinary options

This new framework stands out for its focus on multidisciplinary and holistic education, offering students flexible entry and exit options. UGC Chairman Professor M Jagadesh Kumar has urged all higher education institutions to swiftly adopt this framework, which promises to empower students by letting them choose their courses and switch disciplines, in sync with the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) and National Credit Framework (NCrF). The framework also accommodates the creditisation of work experience and allows students to pursue multiple degrees simultaneously or through online platforms.

One of the major highlights of the new postgraduate curriculum framework is its increased flexibility and mobility for students.

The framework supports various learning modes—online, offline, and hybrid—and ensures credits can be transferred through the Academic Bank of Credits. Designed to foster in-depth knowledge and multidisciplinary problem-solving skills, the PG program's credit system and learning outcomes are detailed in the NHEQF, offering a seamless transition from level 6 to level 7 for different credentials, including diplomas and degrees.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are given the flexibility to offer various PG program designs, including 1-year, 2-year, and integrated 5-year courses, addressing diverse student needs and emerging fields like AI and Machine Learning. The policy also recognises work experience and supports interdisciplinary learning. Each programme type provides unique pathways, with the 2-year PG programme incorporating coursework, research, or a blend of both, while the 1-year PG programme is tailored for students with a 4-year undergraduate degree, offering similar options.

Furthermore, if students exit the 2-year PG program after the first year, they will receive a Postgraduate Diploma. The framework’s credit distribution guidelines detail minimum requirements for coursework and research, emphasising advanced skills and practical experience.

Additionally, the new framework allows for a maximum of two years' worth of credits to be earned from relevant work experience. NEP 2020 facilitates student transitions into varied postgraduate programmes with formative and continuous assessments, making education inclusive and flexible while promoting horizontal and vertical mobility in higher education through the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) guidelines.