The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new curriculum and credit system for postgraduate programs.

The intention behind this step is to align the Indian higher education system with global standards. This will integrate more skill-based learning into traditional programs, ensuring more employability.

The revision of UGC’s curriculum came as a response to the changing needs of the industry standards and the present workforce. With the evolving industry needs, the higher education scenario must adapt to equip students with relevant skills. The new curriculum includes:

• Flexibility
• Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunities 
• Practical and Hands-on Approach to Education

Here is everything that you need to know about the changes. 

5 Key Features of the Revamped Curriculum and Credit System

The new credit system and the revamped curriculum is built on a few critical pillars. These will redefine the higher learning experience for students. They are as follows:

1. Works on Choice-Based Credit System 

CBCS i.e. Choice Based Credit System helps students to select subjects as per their career choices and interests. This allows students to build their expertise in specific subject areas. This also helps them to receive exposure to complementary fields of study. The system provides flexibility that helps students to study relevant subjects that would enrich their knowledge and skills in the areas they want to build their career on.

2. Takes on a Multidisciplinary Approach

UGC’s revised curriculum enables students to select subjects from various disciplines. This holistic model helps students to gain broader knowledge and prepares them for diverse career options.

3. Focuses on Skill-Based Education

The revised curriculum also gives importance to education based on skill. This ensures students are prepared for jobs right after graduation as they get not only theoretical knowledge but also industry-relevant skills. 

4. Offers Flexibility in Course Duration

The new system allows students to complete PG programs in a more flexible manner. 

Students get the option to either fast track or extend the duration of the course as per their own preferable pace. 

5. Increases Focus on Research

The UGC’s new curriculum encourages students to engage in research and innovation. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving, students are better equipped to contribute to cutting-edge developments in their chosen fields.

Now that you know about the essential factors of the renewed curriculum and credit system, take a look at how the credit system works.

How UGC’s New Credit System Works

Under the new system, students will now need to complete a minimum of 80 credits to earn their post graduate degree. The division of credits includes core subjects, electives, and skill-based courses.

Breakdown of Credit Distribution:

Here is how the credit distribution system works according to the renewed UGC credit system:

• Core Courses - 40 to 45 credits which is about 50-55% of the total credit requirements.
• Electives - 25 to 30 credits which is around 30-35% of the net requirements.
• Skill Development Courses - 5 to10 credits accounting for 5-10% of the total requirements.
• Project/Dissertation - 10-15 credits which is approximately 10-15% of the total credits.

In comparison with the earlier fixed system, the new more flexible credit-based system lets students create their own learning paths. This gives them a more personalized experience that fits their individual career goals.

Advantages of the New Curriculum and Credit System

The reformed curriculum promises several benefits for both students and the industry. 

Benefits for the Students

Take a look at the 3 major benefits that students get from UGCs revised curriculum:

Improved Employability 

The recent curriculum by UGC and the Ministry of Skill Development has benefitted employability across Indian states. According to the India Skills Report 2024, employability among India's youth has increased to 51.25%. Haryana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh show the highest concentrations of employable youth among the rest. The leading state is Haryana where over 76% of the youth is considered employable.

Increased Global Competence

UGC's new curriculum has helped students become globally competitive. Since it focuses on skill-based learning and offers flexible courses, students are now better prepared for jobs both in India and abroad. In many Indian states, there has been a noticeable rise in students gaining international opportunities. 

Flexibility of Choice

The change in UGC’s curriculum increases flexibility for students. It offers multiple entry and exit options, multidisciplinary learning, and various study modes such as online, offline, or hybrid formats. For example, in case of two-year PG programs, students can now opt to exit after the first year, and earn a postgraduate diploma. 

Another advantage is that it allows them to switch disciplines even during postgraduate studies. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) makes it easier for students to accumulate and transfer credits between institutions.

Benefits for the Industry

Following are the 2 ways in which the new credit system along with the renewed curriculum are beneficial for the industry:

 

Prepares the Students for Jobs 

Since the new curriculum lays emphasis on skills and practical learning, it creates a workforce that has real life work experience. The employers can now be assured that they get candidates who are prepared for the evolving industry trends.

Provides Opportunities for Industry-Academia Collaboration

The UGC’s initiative encourages collaboration between educational institutions and industries. This helps to bring forth new ideas, innovations and research facilities helping the industries to flourish.

Statistics: Impact of the Curriculum Overhaul

According to recent statistics from the UGC, 85% of Indian universities have already adopted the new curriculum framework. 

Another study conducted by NASSCOM suggests that 70% of Indian graduates entering the workforce require additional training to meet industry standards. These figures highlight the importance of the UGC's revamped curriculum.

Moreover, students who completed skill-based courses under the Choice-Based Credit System reported a 40% higher employment rate than those who pursued traditional theoretical programs.

Medhavi Skills University: Paving the Way for Future-Ready Education

Many universities have embraced the new changes implemented by the University Grants Commission. Medhavi Skills University (MSU), is committed to offering programs that align with the UGC's new standards. MSU’s WISE (Work Integrated Skill-based Education) programs are designed to blend academic learning with practical, on-the-job experience, ensuring our graduates are not only knowledgeable but also skilled and industry-ready.

In accordance with these UGC provisions, The Medhavi Skills University (MSU) has introduced the Accelerated Skill MBA for working professionals with 2 years of minimum work experience. 

This program is designed as per the guidelines of NEP 2020. It has a futuristic curriculum combining the best features of top online MBA programs, traditional MBA programs and executive MBA programs. 

It also takes work experience into consideration and converts it into credits through assessments. This allows professionals looking for top online MBA programs or executive MBA programs to complete their MBA within 15 months. 

It is a UGC recognized work integrated, regular, full-time and fast-track MBA for working professionals which is equivalent to any other 2-year MBA program in India offering two Government of India recognized skill certificates. 

As an ideal MBA for working professionals it turns experience into qualifications bridging the gap between industry and academia, helping professionals to grow and industries to innovate.