The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the implementation of the National Credit Framework (NCrF), setting out the number of hours classroom learning, practical work and experiential training that will amount to one credit.
The guidelines are part of the NCrF, which is currently being tested as a pilot in some schools. The framework allows transfer of credits, facilitating multiple entries and exits in the education and skilling system, and will apply from school to the PhD level.
According to the NCTF guidelines, one credit is awarded for one hour of lecture, teaching, or tutorial per week. Alternatively, two hours of practical or field work per week, or three hours of experiential learning per week, can also be equated to one credit.
Over the course of a semester, one credit corresponds to 15 hours of theoretical instruction, 30 hours of practical work or lab sessions, or 45 hours of experiential learning.
“The NCrF SOP, 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,” said UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar.
The NCrF sets a total of 1200 notional (estimate of hours required to complete classes, homework, etc) learning hours per year across these educational sectors, with 40 credits awarded upon successful completion. Students can earn additional credits by taking extra courses, programs, subjects, and projects.
{{/usCountry}}The NCrF sets a total of 1200 notional (estimate of hours required to complete classes, homework, etc) learning hours per year across these educational sectors, with 40 credits awarded upon successful completion. Students can earn additional credits by taking extra courses, programs, subjects, and projects.
{{/usCountry}}The framework was approved by the Centre in April last year under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a High Level Committee being formed shortly afterwards.
The NCrF provides multiple entry and exit points, which means that if a student wishes to halt their studies for some time they can do so, and resume provided they have enough credit points. This also means that a student wishing to switch to some other institute, vocation, or even a grade may do so provided they have enough credit points corresponding to the rules.
The core courses and NCrF levels from a student’s previous program will need to be mapped to the new program. If core courses align, transfers should be seamless, but if there is a mismatch, the receiving institution may still accept the student but must provide a bridge course to address any gaps. Institutions are required to publish their lateral entry eligibility criteria and admission process on their websites.
UGC chief Kumar also said that he hopes the framework would enhance transparency and flexibility in education and contribute to providing skilled manpower to support India’s economic growth.
However, some academics raised concerns about the implementation of the new framework. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a member of the Delhi University Academic Council, said the SOP will “complicate” things further as “having so many conditions takes away the focus from the main degree.”
“There is a limited number of credits as a part of curriculum and minimum number of credits to get to next year. These guidelines will take away time from the core courses as students will be burdened and will not end up learning anything. This structure will complicate things further,” Dhusiya said.