The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the rollout of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) across higher education, vocational education, training, and school education sectors. This initiative, part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to overhaul the way credits are managed and transferred within India’s education system.
UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar heralded the SOPs as a landmark development, stating, “I am pleased to introduce the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operationalising the National Credit Framework (NCrF). The NCrF, notified by the UGC, marks a significant step towards our shared vision of a dynamic, inclusive, lifelong education system that empowers learners with relevant skills and knowledge for the 21st century.”
The NCrF, which has been a collaborative effort among the UGC, AICTE, NCVET, NIOS, CBSE, NCERT, DGT, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Skill Development, seeks to align with the vision of NEP 2020 by integrating academic, vocational, and experiential learning. The SOPs outline the procedures for credit assignment, accumulation, transfer, and redemption across various educational levels.
Framework Details
The NCrF is designed to offer a cohesive approach to credit management, facilitating seamless transitions between school, higher, and vocational education. Key aspects of the framework include:
Credit Management: Students can earn credits through diverse learning activities, including theoretical instruction, practical work, field experiences, and skill-based courses. A total of 1,200 notional learning hours per year will be equated to 40 credits, with additional credits available for extra courses and projects.
Integration and Flexibility: The framework encourages institutions to design flexible curricula, integrating vocational and skill-based courses into undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Up to 50% of the credit requirement for these programs can be fulfilled through skill-based courses aligned with NCrF levels.
Vocational Education: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are urged to integrate vocational training into their programs or offer standalone skill-based courses. These courses can be certified by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and can carry Skill India branding.
Transition Mechanisms: The SOPs facilitate transitions between different educational levels and paths, including vocational to general education. Institutions will offer bridge courses to address gaps and enable smooth transitions.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the SOPs have been welcomed as a progressive step, some stakeholders have expressed concerns. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a member of the Delhi University Academic Council, criticised the new guidelines for adding complexity. “The numerous conditions and credit allocations for non-core activities might detract from the focus on core academic subjects,” he said. Dhusiya expressed apprehension that students might be burdened by the new structure, potentially impacting their core learning experiences.
