The University Grants Commission (UGC) has finalized plans to develop a new curriculum tailored for postgraduate studies. Recently, the UGC gave the green light to a preliminary structure for this curriculum. Seeking inputs from various stakeholders, the Commission has welcomed suggestions, comments, and feedback on the initial Guidelines for Curriculum and Credit Framework intended for Postgraduate programmes.Interested parties can share their thoughts on these guidelines until December 15, 2023. Aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP), this curriculum aims to provide students with the flexibility to transition between different fields of study. Here are highlights from UGC’s draft Curriculum and Credit Framework for PG programmes:
- The UGC has outlined three designs for postgraduate programmes: A one-year Master’s, a two-year Master’s, and an integrated five-year programme.
- Students who complete a four-year Bachelor’s programme with Honours and research components can enroll in a one-year Master’s programme.
- Those who finish a three-year Bachelor’s programme are eligible for a two-year postgraduate programme with the second year focused on research.
- Students can leave the two-year programme after the first year and pursue a PG diploma. Additionally, guidelines suggest an integrated five-year Bachelor’s and Master’s programme.
- The proposed guidelines emphasize postgraduate programmes in core areas like machine learning and interdisciplinary fields such as AI combined with sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and law.
- STEM graduates can also pursue technical degrees like engineering or technology at the Master’s level.
- The guidelines grant students the flexibility to pursue two Master’s programmes simultaneously. They can opt for two full-time academic programmes in the physical mode or a combination of a full-time physical mode and another programme in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online mode.
- Graduates with double majors can choose either subject at the Master’s level, while those with a major and minor can select either at the postgraduate level.
- The guidelines also suggest incorporating the element of work experience credits at the PG level. Work experience relevant to the desired PG programme can be credited, potentially altering the programme duration as per assessment and NCrF standards.
- In a two-year programme, students can opt for coursework in the third semester and research in the fourth, or dedicate the entire second year solely to research.
- Similar components apply to the PG level in the five-year integrated programme as well, totalling 40 credits.
- In the one-year Master’s programme, students have the freedom to pursue coursework, research, or a blend of both, also totalling 40 credits.