UGC's New Policies And Its Impact On Study Abroad Plans

Every year, over 750,000 Indian students go abroad for higher education and this number has been steadily increasing.

Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. (Representative Image)

Source : Pixabay

By Subhakar Alapati

In the past week, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced two significant developments in the Indian higher education system: the introduction of biannual admissions in Indian HEIs and the release of a new curriculum and credit framework for postgraduate students. Both these initiatives are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to provide more flexibility and mobility for students.

The first development, the introduction of biannual admissions, means that universities in India will now admit students twice a year, similar to many foreign universities. This new policy will make it easier for students to plan their education and align their academic schedules with those of international institutions.

This change, as UGC Chairman Mr. Jagadesh Kumar told PTI, aims to provide greater flexibility and opportunities for students. "Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. If Indian HEIs adopt the biannual admission cycle, our HEIs can enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges. As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards," UGC Chairman Kumar said.

Every year, over 750,000 Indian students go abroad for higher education, as per the Open Doors report. This number has been steadily increasing, driven by the desire for better educational opportunities and global exposure. However, one of the challenges that students face is the mismatch between the academic calendars of Indian universities and foreign institutions. With the introduction of biannual admissions, students will no longer have to wait for an entire year to get an admission in a foreign university of their choice. 

Flexible Curriculum and Credit Framework

The second major development is the release of a new curriculum and credit framework for postgraduate programs. The new system allows students to enter and exit programs at different stages. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who may need to take a break from their studies to gain work experience or pursue other opportunities.

Additionally, the credit transfer system will make it easier for students to move between institutions, both within India and internationally, without losing their academic progress. In simpler terms, the students would be able to start their education in India and complete it abroad, or vice versa, without any academic penalties.

For students aspiring to study abroad, these changes are highly beneficial. While the biannual admission cycle aligns Indian universities with global institutions, making it easier for students to apply and get admitted to foreign programs without losing time; the new curriculum and credit framework enhance the mobility of students. 

Global Workforce Skills

As the global job market continues to evolve, these changes will help students develop the skills necessary to stay competitive. By introducing biannual admissions and a more flexible curriculum, the UGC aims to pave way for a more dynamic and adaptive educational environment. This new approach is likely to reduce the stress and uncertainty that students face when trying to synchronize their academic schedules with international institutions. 

Moreover, it will make it easier for learners to acquire and update their skills in response to market demands. This adaptability is vital, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, which underscores the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-management skills. 

(The Author is Founder Director of Global Tree Overseas Education Consultants, Hyderabad)

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