he National Education Policy (NEP), released in July 2020, focuses not only on education but also gives equal importance to the overall development of students, which includes skill development, personality development.
From multi-disciplinary and holistic education to Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) to multiple entry-exit, skill development, research, innovation, affiliations and several other initiatives will be rolled out from the upcoming academic year onwards through DHE and Goa University.
Informing about the status of NEP implementation, Deputy Director of Education, F M Nadaf explained: “As we go ahead with NEP implementation, it is important to understand that there are two components of the policy- restructuring of the programme related to student academic year and Research & other initiative components related to internships, job placements amongst others.”
While Goa University is dealing with restructuring of the programme based on the guidelines issued by University Grants Commission (UGC), the Research & Other Component part is handled by DHE.
“The system is very clear, it won’t create any confusion. But it has given flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another. What is important now is to create awareness,” Nadaf said.
The new curriculum framework to be adopted post Class XII
From the coming year, the student clearing Class 12 will have to undergo undergraduate degree either of three or four-year duration, with multiple exit options within this period, with appropriate certifications; for example- a certificate after completing 1 year in a discipline or field including vocational and professional areas, or a diploma after two years of study, or a Bachelor’s degree after a three-year programme. The four-year multidisciplinary Bachelor’s programme, however, shall be the preferred option. The four-year programme may also lead to a degree ‘with Research’.
Sources at GU explained that Class 12 passed-out students will have flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another. “GU has already done the restructuring of the programme and now they will come up with the Ordinance. The Ordinance will be first placed before the Academic council, followed by Executive Council approval, before seeking Governor, who is also Chancellor of Varsity’s consent,” sources said.
When asked, Nadaf said that programmes will be introduced with multiple entry and exit points and re-entry options; however the degree programme has to be completed within seven years.
“There will also be flexibility to switch to alternative modes of learning like offline, hybrid modes, etc,” he explained.
Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is an important part of NEP 2020 and is designed to give students greater flexibility in pursuing their academic goals. The ABC database allows students to collect, store, and transfer credits earned through different streams like college-based programmes, apprenticeships, multiple entry and exit points, technology-enabled virtual mobility, etc.
“The flexibility in academic programmes will enable students to seek employment after any level of award and join back as and when feasible to upgrade qualification. Also, the BAC will help in holistic assessment of the students, when he or she travels to any part of India for educational purposes,” Nadaf said.
Multidisciplinary and holistic
education
NEP had laid major thrust on developing a multidisciplinary approach. For this, colleges across Goa have come on board to form clusters offering multidisciplinary education. There are currently 62 colleges and six clusters-covering colleges from Panjim, Margao, Ponda, Mapusa- are expected to function from the next academic year. The colleges have already signed MOU.
“The move will help in sharing college resources and facilities with students of colleges within the cluster. As per UGC, the student should not move out of college but the faculty will be on move or courses will be held online or in hybrid mode,” Nadaf said.
As per the NEP, there should be 3,000 students in a college and be multidisciplinary offering seven programmes.
He said that students will get a choice and will be able to opt for skill-based and generic elective courses. He further said that a multidisciplinary programme will also help facilitate the upgradation of college status.
College upgradation
Currently, colleges are connected with Goa University through an “affiliating system” where universities design the syllabi, conduct examinations and award degrees, while teaching is done in colleges. “As per NEP, the government plans to allow all affiliated colleges to become degree-awarding multidisciplinary autonomous institutions by 2035,” Nadaf said.
He explained that the colleges will be upgraded into three- autonomous colleges offering degrees, Degree granting Clusters and Constituent Colleges of University, which means that the colleges will be run by varsity and there will be no management system.
The DHE official said that the entire focus of NEP is on skilling. The aim is to make every child skilled either to get employed or to employ.
For this, DHE intends to help the students in getting training, internships and placement across various industries, hotels and even government sector.
Training, Internship, Placement Portal (TIP)
As NEP makes internship during the undergraduate programme mandatory, the DHE intends to help the student and create a database for further placement. DHE has decided to take onboard industries from various sectors including hotels and government departments, wherein students will get an opportunity to undertake an internship of their choice.
“On one single portal, all the information will be available. The student will just have to select the area of specification and undergo an internship. Post internship, the data of the student along with certification will be available on the portal, in case colleges want to assess,” Nadaf said, adding that DHE has already commenced placement drives for students of various disciplines.
The department is working with the Directorate of Education to ensure that awareness on the new educational system is created among the students right at higher secondary education level.
