The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. These courses, including emerging fields such as data analytics and AI, aim to enhance students' employability and support economic growth through a qualified workforce. Feedback on the guidelines will be accepted for the next 30 days, giving students and educators a chance to provide their input.
Higher Education Goes Skill-Based: UGC Unveils Draft Guidelines
Background
The Indian education system has long been criticized for its rigid structure and lack of emphasis on practical skills. In an effort to address these concerns, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 proposed a major reform of the higher education sector.
One of the key initiatives under the NEP is the introduction of skill-based courses and micro-credentials. These courses aim to provide students with the specific skills and knowledge required by employers, enhancing their employability and contributing to economic growth.
The UGC's Draft Guidelines
In line with the NEP, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions. These guidelines outline the framework for developing, offering, and assessing these courses.
The guidelines encompass a wide range of courses, including:
Benefits
The introduction of skill-based courses and micro-credentials is expected to benefit both students and the economy:
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is a short-term, recognized credential that certifies a specific skill or area of knowledge. It can be awarded through online platforms, bootcamps, or higher education institutions.
2. Are skill-based courses part of a degree program?
Skill-based courses can be offered as standalone courses or as part of a degree program. Students can earn micro-credentials within a skill-based course, which can later be combined to form a full degree.
3. How are skill-based courses assessed?
Assessment methods may vary depending on the course, but they typically include a combination of assignments, projects, and exams.
4. What is the future of skill-based education in India?
The government has announced plans to introduce skill-based education in all higher education institutions by 2025. This move is expected to revolutionize the Indian education system and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global economy.
5. How can students and educators provide feedback on the draft guidelines?
The UGC is accepting feedback on the draft guidelines for the next 30 days. Feedback can be submitted through the official UGC website.
November 10 marks World Science Day for Peace and Development, a celebration that highlights the crucial role of science in our daily lives. This year, the event will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the theme "Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science we Need for 2050" will be explored. Through public engagement and education, scientists aim to address global issues and create a better future for our planet.
On World Tsunami Awareness Day, scientists are highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge in predicting and preparing for tsunamis. Coastal communities have long relied on observing animal behavior to sense environmental changes and predict natural disasters. This technique has proven effective in areas without advanced warning systems. Scientists are now studying these natural warning signs to improve early detection and save lives in vulnerable regions.
Every year, India celebrates the birth anniversary of the renowned physicist CV Raman, who is known for his groundbreaking work on light scattering and the Raman Effect. Despite receiving numerous offers to work in Western labs after winning the Nobel Prize in Physics, Raman remained committed to his belief in fostering a strong scientific culture in India and mentoring future scientists. His discovery of the Raman Effect continues to be relevant and widely used in various fields today, serving as a testament to the quantum nature of light and the energy levels in molecules.
As meditation gains popularity as a mental well-being tool, concerns about potential side effects have emerged. A recent study by a team of researchers from the University of Melbourne delved into the prevalence of adverse experiences among meditators in the United States. By recruiting nearly 900 adults from various meditation skill levels, the study aimed to provide more accurate estimates of how common these side effects are and what factors may contribute to experiencing them. The findings highlight the need for clearer reporting standards in future research on meditation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a groundbreaking research, development and innovation scheme that will provide a boost to the flourishing ecosystem of innovation in India. In his address at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave, PM Modi highlighted the crucial role of science and technology in driving transformation and emphasized on India's significant progress in the field. He also acknowledged the remarkable achievement of India's women's cricket team and expressed confidence that their success would inspire the country's youth. Attendees included renowned scientists, innovators, and distinguished guests from both India and abroad.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 and launched the Rs 1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. The scheme aims to strengthen the private sector-driven research and innovation ecosystem in the country and has a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore over 6 years. ESTIC 2025, gathering over 3,000 participants, focuses on 11 critical thematic areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Science and Technology, and Space Technologies, providing opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing India’s science and technology ecosystem.
In this edition of Health360, a renewed debate over the alleged link between vaccines and autism is sparked by tech mogul Sridhar Vembu's endorsement of a questionable study. Despite reassurances from the medical community backed by data from the WHO, doubts continue to persist, leading to potential harm to public health. The program also delves into the alarming rise in back pain cases in India and explores new treatments.
In an effort to fight the ongoing air pollution crisis, Delhi conducted its first-ever official cloud seeding operation led by IIT Kanpur. The operation involved a small aircraft dispersing specially designed chemical flares into the atmosphere to create rain. While experts say rainfall could occur within 15 minutes to 4 hours, the actual timeframe depends on various factors such as wind direction and moisture content. If successful, the government plans to continue the operation in the coming days.
In the quest for stronger, luscious hair, we often overlook the importance of nurturing the roots. Fortunately, Ayurveda has long stressed the significance of this practice, which has now been backed by modern science. Studies have shown that herbs like Bhringraj and Amla can activate hair follicles, promoting new growth and delaying greying. Fenugreek, Neem, Hibiscus, and Ashwagandha are also found to be beneficial in strengthening and nourishing the scalp, resulting in thicker and healthier hair.
A college student shares her personal journey of becoming a vegetarian, despite facing challenges and health concerns. She then delves into an ethics class she took, where the concept of marginal cases were discussed. Following an article by philosophy professor Alastair Norcross, she concludes that even though individual action may seem insignificant, refusing to consume factory-farmed meat holds moral significance due to the potential to prevent immense suffering for animals.