Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a curriculum and credit framework for Postgraduate (PG) programmes. These guidelines will give students the opportunity to choose the courses of their interest. As a part of the recommendations for PG programmes, UGC has said that there may be a two year programme with the second year devoted entirely to research for those who have completed the three year Bachelor’s programme. For students completing a four year Bachelor’s programme with Honours/Honours with research, there could be a one year Master’s programme. UGC also suggested that there may be an integrated five year Bachelor’s/Master’s programme. Additionally, universities are encouraged to offer PG programmes in core disciplines like Machine Learning and multidisciplinary fields. There shall be a National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF). Higher education qualifications leading to a degree/diploma/certificate shall be described by the NHEQF in terms of such learning outcomes. Accordingly, the levels prescribed for the master’s programme are levels 6, 6.5, and 7, the guidelines added. The Master's students will have the flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another. There will also be flexibility for students who qualify UG with a double major to opt for any of the two subjects they have majored. Moreover, there is flexibility for students who qualify UG with a major and minor (s) to opt for either major or minor(s) subject in Master’s programme. Students will have the opportunity for learners to choose the courses of their interest, and will also have the flexibility to switch to alternative modes of learning (offline, ODL, online learning, and hybrid modes of learning).
