UGC asks universities to expedite semesterisation

New Delhi, Jan 9: UGC has asked all universities to take "quick action" towards semesterisation of course curricula and grading system against the backdrop of states agreeing to adopt choice based credit programme in colleges and universities from the coming academic session.

The success of the 'choice based credit system' and 'credit framework for skill development' depends on early initiation of such measures to bring uniformity across board in academic structure.

The other steps include standardisation of examinations across universities and switching over from numerical marking to grading system. The reforms would not only provide wider options of subjects across disciplines to students but also ensure seamless mobility across institutions.

"In order to expedite the entire process, you may consider setting up of a working group of senior faculty members of the university which can develop a time-bound action plan for the successful implementation of the schemes," UGC chairman Ved Prakash said in a communication sent to all Vice-Chancellors.

UGC would also set up a facilitation cell which would extend necessary assistance to the universities, he said. [Universities must have greater academic freedom, autonomy]

UGC, governing higher education in the country, has developed a broad template and formulated the guidelines to facilitate the implementation of the two systems.

State Education Ministers at a meeting chaired by HRD Minister Smriti Irani on January 6, had agreed for the implementation of the two systems from the coming academic session.

A suggestion was also accepted at the State Education Ministers' conference here today to set up a joint working group comprising Central and state government nominees to sort out critical issues in implementing the choice-based credit system.

The 'choice-based credit transfer' system will enable students to opt for courses of their choice, learn at their own pace, undergo additional courses and acquire more than the required credits and adopt an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

Adoption of the grading system will facilitate seamless mobility of students across the institutions of learning in the country.

PTI