UGC Releases New Curriculum Framework for Post-Graduate Programs with Multiple Entry, Exit Options

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the "Curriculum and Credit Framework for Post-Graduate Programmes," introducing significant changes aimed at increasing flexibility and mobility for students. This new framework, applicable to both one-year and two-year postgraduate (PG) programs, eliminates discipline-specific entry requirements and offers an exit option after the first year in the two-year program. Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, UGC Chairman, emphasized that this framework aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, designed to transform India into a knowledge economy and society.

Key Features of the New Framework

Flexibility and Mobility: The new curriculum allows students to move from one discipline to another, choose courses of their interest, and switch between different modes of learning such as offline, Open and Distance Learning (ODL), online, and hybrid learning. The framework also supports multiple entry and exit options, facilitating lifelong learning and skill acquisition.

Credit and Academic Structure: The framework outlines the credit requirements for both one-year and two-year PG programs. For instance, a bachelor's degree with Honours or Honours with Research with a minimum of 160 credits qualifies for a one-year PG program. Similarly, a three-year bachelor’s degree with 120 credits qualifies for a two-year PG program. Additionally, there is provision for an integrated five-year bachelor’s/master’s program.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Limit: Candidates born between July 3, 2004, and January 3, 2008, are eligible.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed relevant undergraduate programs with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and in English. This includes Class 12 with relevant subjects, a three-year diploma in engineering, or a two-year vocational course with non-vocational subjects.

Curricular Components:

• Two-Year PG Programs: Students can choose between coursework and research combinations in their second year.
• One-Year PG Programs: Students can opt for coursework, research, or a combination of both.
• Five-Year Integrated Programs: The PG component will mirror the structure of the two-year PG program.

National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF): Higher education qualifications will align with the NHEQF, which describes learning outcomes in terms of levels. For example, a two-year PG program post a three-year UG is at level 6.5 with 40+40 credits.

NEP 2020 Alignment

The new PG framework is closely aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizing multidisciplinary education, research at the undergraduate level, and learning outcomes-based approaches. Key recommendations from NEP 2020 relevant to postgraduate education include:

• A two-year PG program with a research-focused second year for three-year UG graduates.
• A one-year PG program for graduates of a four-year UG program with Honours.
• Integrated five-year bachelor’s/master’s programs.

Benefits and Opportunities

The framework provides several advantages, including the ability to enroll in multiple programs simultaneously and the flexibility to pursue online postgraduate degrees. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals who can now earn a degree without compromising their current responsibilities. Additionally, students can pursue two full-time programs simultaneously, provided there is no overlap in class timings, or one full-time and one ODL/online program.

The UGC's new curriculum framework is poised to enhance the higher education landscape in India, making postgraduate education more accessible, flexible, and aligned with the needs of a knowledge-based economy. For more details and updates, candidates can visit the official UGC website.