The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher educational institutions to take necessary measures for the adoption of curriculum and credit framework for the undergraduate (UG) programmes.
It is pertinent to mention here that the UGC had revised the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) as per the recommendation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and developed curriculum and credit framework for UG programmes.
As per UGC, the new student-centric “Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (CCFUP)” has incorporated a flexible choice-based credit system, multidisciplinary approach, and multiple entry and exit options. This will facilitate students to pursue their career path by choosing the subject/field of their interest.
Main features of the New Curriculum Framework
Flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another.
Opportunity for learners to choose the courses of their interest in all disciplines.
Multiple entry and exit options with UG certificate/ UG diploma/ or degree depending upon the number of credits secured
Learners to get flexibility to move from one institution to another for having multi and/or interdisciplinary learning
Flexibility to switch to alternative modes of learning (offline, ODL, and Online learning, and hybrid modes of learning).
Regulations for Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) and guidelines for multiple entry and exit are already in place to facilitate the implementation of the proposed “Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes”.
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Semester/Credits
There are 90 working days in a semester and an academic year is divided into two semesters. A summer term is for eight weeks during summer vacation. Internship/apprenticeship/work-based vocational education and training can be carried out during the summer term, especially by students who wish to exit after two semesters or four semesters of study.
Regular courses may also be offered during the summer on a fast-track mode to enable students to do additional courses or complete backlogs in coursework.
Awarding UG Certificate, UG Diploma, and Degrees
UG Certificate: Students, who opt to exit after completion of the first year and have secured 40 credits, will be awarded a UG certificate if, in addition, they complete one vocational course of 4 credits during the summer vacation of the first year. These students are allowed to re-enter the degree programme within three years and complete the degree programme within the stipulated maximum period of seven years.
UG Diploma: Students, who opt to exit after completion of the second year and have secured 80 credits, will be awarded the UG diploma if, in addition, they complete one vocational course of 4 credits during the summer vacation of the second year. These students are allowed to re-enter within a period of three years and complete the degree programme within the maximum period of seven years.
3-year UG Degree: Students who wish to undergo a 3-year UG programme will be awarded UG Degree in the Major discipline after successful completion of three years, securing 120 credits and satisfying the minimum credit requirement.
4-year UG Degree (Honours): A four-year UG Honours degree in the major discipline will be awarded to those who complete a four-year degree programme with 160 credits and have satisfied the credit requirements
4-year UG Degree (Honours with Research): Students who secure 75% marks and above in the first six semesters and wish to undertake research at the undergraduate level can choose a research stream in the fourth year. They should do a research project or dissertation under the guidance of a faculty member of the University/College.
The research project/dissertation will be in the major discipline. The students who secure 160 credits, including 12 credits from a research project/dissertation, are awarded UG Degree(Honours with Research).