The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft curriculum and credit framework for PG programmes which suggests one year long postgraduate programme. "The National Education Policy 2020 recommends different designs of master's programmes with entry & exit facility and greater emphasis on research. In accordance with the policy, UGC has prepared draft Guidelines on Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate programmes," the official UGC letter stated. As per the draft regulations, for students completing a four-year bachelor’s programme with honours/ honours with research, there could be a one-year master’s programme, or there may be an integrated 5-year bachelor’s/ master’s programme. UGC has also suggested flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another. It is also suggesting flexibility for students who qualify UG with a double major to opt for any of the two subjects they have majored. Those who qualify UG with a major and minor (s) will be given the flexibility to opt for either major or minor(s) subject in master’s programme. Additionally, students will also be given the freedom to choose the courses of their interest, and will have the flexibility to switch to alternative modes of learning (offline, ODL, Online learning, and hybrid modes of learning). The credit requirement and eligibility suggested for masters programme is: - A bachelor’s degree with Honours/ Honours with Research with a minimum of 160 credits for a 1-year/2-semester master’s programme at level 6.5 on the NHEQF. - A 3-year/6-semester bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 120 credits for a 2-year/4- semester Master’s programme at level 6.5 on the NHEQF. - A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (e.g. B.E., B.Tech. etc.) with a minimum of 160 credits for a 2-year/4-semester Master’s programme (e.g. M.E., M. Tech. etc.) at level 7 of NHEQF. As per the draft curriculum, a PG Diploma (level 6) will have 40 credits and 240 credit points, 1-Year PG after a 4-year UG (level 6.5) will have 40 credits and 260 credit points, the 2-Year PG after a 3-year UG (level 6.5) will have 40+40 credits and 260 credit point, and the 2-Year PG after a 4-year UG such as B.E., B. Tech. etc. (level 7) will have 40+40 credits and 280 credit points. NHEQF level 4.5 represents learning outcomes appropriate to the first year (first two semesters) of the UG programme of study, while level 8 represents learning outcomes appropriate to the doctoral-level programme of study.
