UGC Overhauls PG Curriculum: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a transformative curriculum and credit framework for postgraduate (PG) programmes as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These changes are designed to modernise India’s higher education landscape, introducing flexible structures and interdisciplinary learning opportunities to prepare students for evolving professional and academic demands.
Diverse postgraduate programme structures
One of the significant features of the revised framework is the introduction of multiple pathways for postgraduate studies. The policy acknowledges the varied duration and scope of undergraduate education, offering three distinct PG programme structures:
- A two-year PG programme for students who have completed a three-year Bachelor’s degree, with the second year dedicated entirely to research.
- A one-year PG programme for students holding a four-year Bachelor’s degree with Honours or Honours with Research.
- A five-year integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s programme, blending undergraduate and postgraduate education into a cohesive framework.
Flexibility and curriculum design in HEIs
Under the NEP 2020, higher education institutions (HEIs) will enjoy considerable flexibility in designing PG programmes. While three broad formats are outlined, the curriculum is expected to adapt to diverse undergraduate foundations, integrating emerging disciplines like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. The framework promotes customisation of learning pathways based on programme-specific graduate attributes.
The inclusion of disciplines such as AI, multidisciplinary fields like “AI + X,” and professional areas including healthcare, agriculture, and law is expected to broaden the scope of postgraduate education. The curriculum will align with the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), which classifies qualifications at levels 6, 6.5, and 7, ensuring structured progression in learning outcomes.
Credit and Eligibility Requirements
The revised framework standardises credit requirements for different programme types:
- A 1-year PG programme requires a Bachelor’s degree with Honours or Honours with Research, with at least 160 credits at level 6.5 of the NHEQF.
- A 2-year PG programme requires a three-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 120 credits or a four-year Bachelor’s degree with at least 160 credits at level 7 of the NHEQF.
- Admission to PG programmes is based on a candidate’s undergraduate performance or an entrance exam. Notably, students can pursue a PG programme in a discipline unrelated to their undergraduate major if they qualify for a relevant national or university-level entrance examination.
Flexibility in subject choice and learning modes
In alignment with the NEP’s vision of lifelong learning, the curriculum enables students to switch disciplines at the postgraduate level. Those with majors or minors in their UG programme can pursue PG studies in either, provided they demonstrate competence. For students looking to transition to entirely new fields, entrance exams offer an alternative pathway.
Additionally, the framework introduces flexibility in learning modes, encouraging the adoption of offline, online, hybrid, and Open Distance Learning (ODL) methods. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility for diverse learners. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system underpins this flexibility, enabling credit accumulation, storage, transfer, and redemption across multiple institutions.
Opportunity for career redirection
The framework acknowledges the evolving aspirations of students, providing mechanisms to change disciplines without significant barriers. Whether switching to a minor subject pursued during undergraduate studies or venturing into a new field through entrance qualifications, students can align their academic pathways with career goals.
The UGC’s updates to the postgraduate curriculum aim to make education more adaptable and skill-oriented. By incorporating interdisciplinary studies, research opportunities, and modern technologies, the new framework ensures that postgraduate education in India aligns with global standards while remaining accessible and inclusive. Institutions now bear the responsibility of tailoring programmes to meet these ambitious objectives, marking a significant shift in the academic landscape.
UGC Announces Six Major Changes in PG Curriculum and Credit System: Here’s an overview
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