National Credit Framework

• 14 Apr 2023

For Prelims: University Grants Commission, National Credit Framework (NCrF), National School Education Qualification Framework, National Education Policy (NEP).

For Mains: Provisions of National Education Policy (NEP) and National Credit Framework (NCrF).

Why in News?

The University Grants Commission has announced the implementation of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for all regulatory organisations and universities in India.

• This framework is designed to integrate the credits earned through school education, higher education, vocational, and skill education, and provide lifelong learning opportunities.

What is National Credit Framework?

• About:
  • According to the framework, an academic year will be defined by the number of hours a student puts in and credits will be provided to them accordingly at the end of each academic year.
    • NCrF is a meta-framework that consists of three verticals:
      • National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF)
      • National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), and
      • National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
• Provisions:
  • Integration of Academic and Vocational Education:
    • The integration of academic and vocational education is emphasised by the National Education Policy (NEP) and is provided by the NCrF.
    • This mechanism ensures equivalence within and between the two education streams.
  • Credit System:
    • The total 'Notional Learning hours in a year' for assignment of Credits will be 1200 hours. A minimum of 40 credits may be earned for 1200 hours of learning every year with 20 credits per semester of six months
      • Notional hours refer to the time that the average student would need to attend all classes, study for tests and do assignments and homework.
    • The total credits earned by a student during the entire schooling period will be 160 credits.
    • By the end of a three-year bachelor's degree course, the student will have earned 120 credits.
    • When a student completes a Ph.D., the earned credits would be 320.
    • Students will also get credits for participating in Olympiads, science quizzes, internships, and taking up jobs while they are studying in college.
  • Credit Levels:
    • The NCrF has proposed several levels within this framework ranging from level 1 to level 8.
      • The credit level that can be attained after completion of school education, i.e., grade 5^th will be level 1, grade 8th will be level 2, grade 10th will be level 3, and grade 12th will be level 4.
      • Higher education shall be from credit levels of 4.5 to level 8.
      • The NCrF credit levels for school education are upto level 4, while for higher education
      • For vocational education & training level 1 to level 8.
  • Aadhaar-Enabled Student Registration:
    • An Aadhaar-enabled student registration will take place. After student registration, an Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) account will be opened.
    • The deposit of degree and credits will take place in those accounts. There will be a knowledge locker along the lines of DigiLocker.
• Challenges:
  • Standardisation: The NCrF consists of different verticals such as NSEQF, NHEQF, and NSQF. Ensuring standardisation across these verticals while catering to the unique needs of each stream might be a challenge.
  • Data Security and Privacy: The use of Aadhaar-enabled student registration and an academic bank of credit (ABC) account to store student data may pose security and privacy risks.
    • Ensuring the security and confidentiality of the data will be crucial for the successful implementation of the NCrF.

Conclusion

• NCrF aims to provide seamless horizontal and vertical mobility between different education streams in India. However, the successful implementation of the NCrF may face several challenges such as implementation, standardisation, acceptance and adoption. Addressing these challenges will require a collaborative effort from various stakeholders to ensure that the framework is up-to-date, relevant, and effective in addressing the changing needs of the education system in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)

Source: TH