In a major push for academic transformation, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities and affiliated colleges to revamp their curricula in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The emphasis is on moving away from rote learning and ensuring that higher education becomes more skill-driven, practical, and relevant to the 21st-century learner.
The UGC has called for the inclusion of life skills, experiential learning, internships, and flexible learning pathways in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The goal is to better prepare students for real-world challenges and careers, making academic learning more meaningful and application-oriented.
Alignment with National Frameworks
The UGC has advised institutions to align curriculum revisions with national academic frameworks such as:
- National Credit Framework (NCrF)
- National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF)
- Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (CCFUP)
These guidelines aim to ensure uniformity, flexibility, and a multidisciplinary approach across higher education.
Push for Skill-Based, Industry-Relevant Learning
To bridge the gap between academics and employability, universities have been encouraged to incorporate:
- Short-term, skills-based modules
- Internships and apprenticeships
- Apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes
- Industry-aligned training and certifications
This is part of a larger strategy to make students more job-ready and adaptable in a rapidly evolving employment landscape.
Collaborative Reform Process
The UGC has appealed to faculty members, academic leaders, and administrators to take ownership of these reforms. It also stressed the importance of collaborating with industry experts to design courses that are current, dynamic, and aligned with future job roles.
Through this directive, the UGC aims to steer Indian higher education toward becoming more inclusive, innovative, and learner-centric—core principles of the NEP 2020.
Universities have been asked to act swiftly and implement these changes with precision and purpose to help build a future-ready education ecosystem.
