According to M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, India's undergraduate students will be able to choose to accelerate or slow down their degree programme starting with the next academic year.
Professor Kumar, who announced the plan last week at a conference in Chennai for autonomous colleges, provided additional details about the plan to IndiaToday.in Monday on the sidelines a Delhi celebration of India's tie ups with Johns Hopkins University celebrating 100 years.
"Talented Students who can take more credits per term will be able to accelerate their program. In a three-year undergraduate program, let's say they need to take 120 credit hours, which is 40 credits each year. If they took more credits each year, they could complete their degree in just 2.5 years, Kumar says.
By planning their earning of credits correctly, they can finish the program early. "This is what we refer to as an accelerated degree program," he says.
This initiative was designed to accommodate different learning speeds, allowing students to finish their degrees faster while still accommodating those who require more time.
WHAT IS ACCELERATED AND DECELERATED PERFORMANCE?
Students can accelerate their degree by taking more credits each semester. They will be able to finish a three-year program in just 2.5 years, or a four year degree in only three years.
The decelerated programme is designed for students who find it hard to manage their academic workload. Students can extend their three-year courses to four years by taking fewer credits each semester.
Some students may have difficulty coping with academic work. They may wish to reduce the number of credits they take and slow down their pace. The UGC chairman says that some students may prefer to complete their studies in four years instead of three.
If the student does not meet the minimum credit requirement, they will be kicked out of the system. This will be viewed as a failure, and the student will be dismissed. Now we say you don't need to worry. "You take fewer credits but you finish your degree slowly," Kumar explains.
The cognitive abilities are different for each student. He adds that some students are slow learners and others are fast.
MULTI-ENTRY AND MULTI EXIT ARE NOT THE SAME.
M Jagadesh Kumar clarified this new scheme was distinct from Multi-Entry, Multi-Exit System. This should not be confused.
Students can take breaks and work while continuing their degree in a programme that is slower-paced. They will still benefit from the flexibility of multi-entry/multi-exit options.
In the slow-paced program, I could extend a four-year degree into a five-year degree. I might take a year off, work and earn money somewhere, then return to continue my studies. The UGC Chairman explains that I am still eligible for the multi-entry and multi-exit programme, but I can also accelerate or decelerate degree programmes.
Access to the accelerated programme will be restricted. Only 10% of students will be able to accelerate, Kumar said.
In the next academic session, it is likely that new degree structures will be implemented based on the recommendations of a committee led by V Kamakoti (Director, IIT Madras). Details are expected soon.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE PM VIDYALAKSHMI SYSTEM
Kumar said that UGC's new schemes are aimed at increasing access to higher education. The UGC wants to see more students benefit from the PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme, which provides financial assistance for students.
Financial constraints are the first obstacle to higher education. Kumar said that the goal is to remove this obstacle and make sure students have access to high-quality education.
A campaign is being run by 860 eligible schools to encourage students to take advantage of this program, which can be crucial to their future success.
What do academic experts have to say?
Academics have had mixed reactions to the announcement of a new UGC scheme.
This progressive step taken by the UGC offers additional opportunities for ambitious students who are pursuing accelerated academic and career paths. "It also links higher education to internationally recognised standards," said Dr. Ashok Mittal, founder Chancellor of LPU (and a member of the Rajyasabha).
He says that institutes in India will need to make major changes to adapt to this shift.
To accommodate students who want to complete their degree quickly, the institutes must make major academic restructuring changes. Mittal explains that this may involve providing parallel exam dates or different evaluation patterns for regular and fast track students.
"Also, the educational style needs to be changed. Intensive sessions, modular content delivery, and strategic mentorship for those who are working under a deadline must all be implemented. We will use flexible learning paths and technology at LPU to provide a comprehensive and excellent education to all students.
Two Delhi University professors spoke to Hindustan Times about their concerns.
Mithuraaj dhusiya is a Delhi University Professor and member of the standing committee. He argues that compressing degree timelines can lead to a reduction in core course content. He said that the core course content had already been reduced and UGC was just playing around with the idea of a four-year, three-year, or 2.5-year degree.
Abha Dev Habib, a second DU professor, expressed concerns regarding academic rigour, and employability. She said that compressing the courses could compromise depth and sequence, leaving students with less preparation for the job market. Habib said, "If a honours degree can completed in three-years, this raises doubts about the need for a fourth year."
The National Education Policy 2020 recommends a 4-year UG program, with an option for students to do research in their fourth year and earn a 'honours degree'
