8 January 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. More flexibility, but also greater challenges
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education |
| Context |
| The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced two transformative reforms: accelerated and extended degree programmes.This summary seeks to explore their advantages, challenges, and implications for India’s higher education system. |
Introduction to New Degree Programmes
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two transformative reforms in Indian higher education: accelerated and extended degree programmes for undergraduate students.
- These programmes provide students with the flexibility to complete their degrees faster or over an extended duration, deviating from the traditional rigid framework.
Advantages of the New Programmes
- Enhanced Autonomy and Flexibility:
- Students can customise their academic journey based on individual needs, aligning with the multidisciplinary approach of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- The reforms aim to produce graduates proficient in their fields while equipped with soft and creative skills, fostering innovation.
- Career and Skill Benefits:
- The accelerated programme allows students to enter the workforce earlier, gain professional experience, and save on tuition fees.
- The extended programme enables exploration of diverse subjects, internships, research, skill development, and personal pursuits alongside academics.
- Global Alignment and Mobility:
- These programmes align with international education standards, enhancing mobility for Indian students domestically and globally.
- The introduction of a flexible credit system allows students to progress at their own pace, tailoring education to career goals.
Challenges of the New Structure
- Depth and Rigour Concerns:
- Accelerated programmes may lead to superficial learning due to compressed teaching schedules, compromising educational quality.
- Extended programmes might reduce academic urgency, with some students taking unnecessarily long to complete their degrees.
- Impact on Technical Education:
- Engineering programmes, requiring in-depth theoretical and practical learning, may face challenges in maintaining rigour under accelerated formats.
- Reduced time could hinder hands-on experiences such as lab work, internships, and problem-solving exercises critical for technical competence.
- Extended programmes could increase financial burdens on students, deterring those with limited economic resources.
Practical Challenges in Implementation
- Institutional and Administrative Overhaul:
- Substantial restructuring of curricula, teaching methods, and administrative systems is required, posing difficulties for resource-constrained universities.
- Effective systems for tracking student progress, credit transfers, and evaluation need to be developed.
- Equity Concerns:
- Students from underprivileged backgrounds may struggle without adequate guidance and support, potentially increasing dropout rates.
- Digital Divide:
- Increased reliance on digital education could exacerbate inequities among students lacking access to digital infrastructure.
- Faculty Training:
- Teachers must adapt to new pedagogical models through professional development to support flexible, interdisciplinary learning.
Way Forward
- To overcome these challenges, strategic planning, adequate investment, and timely recruitment of faculty and staff are essential.
- Inclusivity and robust administrative frameworks are critical to ensuring equity and accessibility for all students.
- If implemented effectively, these reforms could create a dynamic higher education system aligned with market needs, contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
| Practice Question: Discuss the potential advantages and challenges of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) accelerated and extended degree programmes in transforming India’s higher education system. (150 Words /10 marks) |
For more such UPSC-related The Hindu editorial analysis: Check Out- 7 January 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
