Syllabus: GS2/Education
Context
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently approved a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for Higher education institutions (HEIs) to offer the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP).
What are ADPs and EDPs?
- At the end of the first or second semester, but not beyond, undergraduate students will be allowed to opt for an ADP or an EDP.
- Students enrolled under an ADP will follow the same curriculum and must earn the same number of credits as required for a three- or four-year undergraduate (UG) programme. However, they can complete their programme sooner by earning additional credits starting from the semester they choose the ADP.
- Under ADP, a three-year UG programme can be completed in five semesters instead of the standard six (shortened by a maximum of one semester), while a four-year UG programme can be completed in six or seven semesters (shortened by a maximum of two semesters) rather than eight.
- On the other hand, students who choose the EDP will be allowed to earn fewer credits per semester compared to the standard programme, allowing them to take longer to complete their course.
- The government departments, private organisations, and recruiting agencies like UPSC/State Service Commissions and so on, will treat the ADPs and EDPs on a par with those of standard duration.
How will they be implemented?
- HEIs will set up the committee to scrutinise the applications they receive for ADP and EDP at the end of the first or second semester and select students accordingly.
- An institution can earmark up to 10% of the sanctioned intake for ADP students, while there will be no cap on the number of EDP students.
- HEIs can begin offering ADP or EDP from the 2025-26 academic year, with the choice to implement these programs left to the institutions.
Significance
- ADP allows high-performing students to complete their degrees faster and allows them to enter the workforce or pursue higher studies sooner.
- The move was in line with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) released last year in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
| University Grants Commission (UGC) – It came into existence on 28th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organization of the Government of India by an Act of Parliament in 1956. – The UGC’s mandate includes: 1. Promoting and coordinating university education. 2. Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination, and research in universities. 3. Disbursing grants to the Universities and Colleges. 4. Serving as a vital link between the Union and State Governments and institutions of higher learning. 5. Advising the Central and State Governments on the measures necessary to improve university education. |
Source: IE
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