UGC Revises NHEQF, Makes it Easier to Pursue Dual Degrees Abroad

The University Grants Commission has revised the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), making it easier for students who want to pursue dual degrees from universities abroad. Previously, students could not enrol in such courses due to their differing levels of qualification.

The level from 5 to 10 in higher education has decreased from 4.5 to 8. This framework will apply from graduation to the PhD level.

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For students, assessment standards have been devised and separated into levels ranging from 5 to 10. According to the draft of the NHEQF issued on January 30, 2022, the first year of study at the undergraduate level would be 'level 5' and the PhD would be 'level 10'.

There are levels ranging from 6 to 12 all throughout the world. The highest level in Scotland is 12. Level 10 in Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia. In Europe, there are eight levels. Similarly, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand provide higher education at levels 7 and 6.

If a student wants to pursue a dual degree program abroad, the new uniformity in the qualification system of Indian higher education will make it easier for them to do so. Students in Indian educational institutions will also be permitted to choose any other course in the middle of their study.

As a result, this change has been communicated to university vice-chancellors (VCs) across the country.

Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, concluded that higher education in the country will now have a unified qualification structure based on learning outcomes. The students will benefit the most from this. They will be able to move to any curriculum; similarly to school education, students in higher education will be examined on the basis of learning outcomes each year.

This exam assesses students' knowledge and skills so that students can have more job prospects.

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Multiple entry-exit systems will also be used beginning with the school year 2022-23. It will aid students who had to discontinue their education due to unforeseen circumstances. After a specified period of time, such students will still obtain a diploma. The respective university will also offer them a degree in the same course upon completion of the course.

Aside from that, students from any stream will be able to choose their own subjects. Students studying engineering or science, for example, can also pursue music/dance/art education.

Source: Free Press Journal