UGC proposes one-year PG programmes and flexible curriculum in draft guidelines

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a draft curriculum and credit framework proposing a one-year duration for the postgraduate programmes. This initiative is in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises diverse designs for master’s programmes, incorporating entry and exit options and placing a heightened focus on research.

According to the draft regulations, students who complete a four-year bachelor’s programme with honours or honours with research have the option of a one-year master’s programme. Alternatively, there is the possibility of pursuing an integrated five-year bachelor’s/master’s programme.

The UGC advocates for flexibility in transitioning between different disciplines of study. It also suggests flexibility for students with a double major in their undergraduate studies, allowing them to choose either of the two subjects for their master’s programme. Those who complete their undergraduate studies with a major and minor(s) have the flexibility to opt for either the major or minor(s) subject in their master’s programme.

Moreover, students are granted the freedom to choose courses based on their interests, and they have the flexibility to switch to alternative modes of learning, including offline, online, open and distance learning (ODL), and hybrid modes.

The credit requirements and eligibility criteria for master’s programmes are outlined as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree with Honours/Honours with research, with a minimum of 160 credits, is suggested for a one-year/two-semester master’s programme at level 6.5 on the NHEQF.
• A three-year/six-semester bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 120 credits is recommended for a two-year/four-semester master’s programme at level 6.5 on the NHEQF.
• A four-year bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.E., B.Tech., etc.) with a minimum of 160 credits is proposed for a two-year/four-semester master’s programme (e.g., M.E., M. Tech., etc.) at level 7 of NHEQF.

The draft curriculum also includes specifications for a PG Diploma (level 6), a one-year PG after a four-year UG (level 6.5), a two-year PG after a three-year UG (level 6.5), and a two-year PG after a four-year UG such as B.E., B. Tech., etc. (level 7). The NHEQF level 4.5 represents learning outcomes appropriate for the first year (first two semesters) of the UG programme, while level 8 represents learning outcomes appropriate for the doctoral-level programme.