CHENNAI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) may roll out an accelerated option in undergraduate degree programmes from next year through which fast learners can complete their bachelor degree programmes six months or a year earlier than the scheduled three-year or four-year period, UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said in Chennai on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ‘South zone conference for autonomous colleges on implementation of NEP 2020’ organised at IIT-Madras, Jagadesh Kumar said a committee headed by IIT-Madras director V Kamakoti had made the recommendation regarding the new scheme, and it was approved by the UGC recently.
When asked about how quickly a student can finish the UG degree, Kumar said, “It depends on the capability of the students. If he/she tries to complete the required credit points in two years it may be too stressful for them. We anticipate that talented students can gain six months to one year time. Similarly, slow-paced learners can take their time and complete a three-year degree programme in four years.”
He further added that UGC had already introduced multiple exit and entry options so that slow learners can take a break and complete the course as per their choice. “Our aim is to provide maximum flexibility and opportunity to students,” the UGC chief said. He also said training teachers to implement the reforms brought in by the UGC is a big challenge. “There are 15 lakh teachers in the higher education sector and we have so far trained 1.5 lakh teachers on the pedagogical changes. Through Malviya teachers training centres we are continuing to train them,” he added.
TN’s objection to NEP
When asked about UGC’s stand on TN’s strong opposition to NEP, Kumar replied, “We want to make our students to be problem-solvers, competent, critical thinkers and to contribute to social and economic growth of our country and the state of Tamil Nadu and NEP aims to achieve all these goals.”
Regarding the TN’s State Education Policy (SEP), Kumar said, “As long as it aims to achieve all the goals that I have mentioned, be it called by any name, we should all work together to achieve it.”
He also made it clear that the Vice-Chancellor selection committees must have a UGC nominee, and there will be no exception to the rule which is being followed by universities across the country.
Kumar said states like Kerala and West Bengal have also implemented four-year degree programmes as they provide lots of opportunity for career growth of students. He said Tamil Nadu should also adopt it for the benefit of students.
On the financial crisis in state universities, the UGC chief said that state universities should utilize their huge intellectual resource to generate revenue.
They should offer industry-appropriate training programmes and charge for them to raise internal funds. They can also generate revenue by attracting international students.
