UGC releases draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework

What is the news?

University Grants Commission(UGC) has released a Draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework (NHEQF).

What is the Draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework (NHEQF)?

It has been released as part of a set of reforms that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisages.

This draft framework is not intended to promote a uniform curriculum or national common syllabus.

Its purpose is to bring up/elevate all HEIs to a common level of benchmarking to ensure that all institutions are providing quality education.

What are the key features of the Draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework?

Awarding of Degrees: The framework envisages the award of certificates, diplomas and degrees based on what students completing a particular programme of study are expected to know, understand and be able to do at the end of their programme of study.

Parameters for Assessments: It has set up certain parameters of assessments for students in higher education institutions and divided it in levels 5 to 10 (Levels 1 to 4 cover the school education).

– Level 5 represents learning outcomes appropriate to the first year of the undergraduate programme of study.

– Level 10 represents learning outcomes with greater complexity appropriate to the doctoral-level programmes of study.

– At every level, the students will be assessed based on parameters, including knowledge and understanding of theory; cognitive and technical skills; application of knowledge and skills; decision-making abilities etc.

Number of Credits required to clear different levels of Degrees: The framework fixes the number of credits required to clear the different levels of the four-year undergraduate programme, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees.

Those looking to exit the undergraduate programme with a certificate will require 40 credits; with a diploma after two years will need 80 credits; degree after three years will have a requirement of 120 credits; degree with honours/research after four years with 160 credits.

One credit is equivalent to one hour of teaching (lecture or tutorial) or two hours of practical work/fieldwork per week.

Source: This post is based on the article “UGC releases draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework” published in Indian Express on 3rd Feb 2022.