Grading & semester system is now mandatory for all Universities: UGC

In one of the major reforms in Indian education system, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed over 400 universities in India to introduce grading system and follow a semester pattern in curriculum from the coming academic session.

Many universities presently follow the numerical system of marking. However, the new move will benefit lakhs of students by providing wider options of subjects across disciplines. It will also ensure seamless mobility of students from one higher education institution to the other.

The reforms have been introduced after Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani met with the state education ministers in New Delhi last week.

After the meeting, UGC issued a mandate asking all universities to follow semester pattern (in curriculum) along with standardising their examinations.

Universities have been asked to introduce the choice-based credit system (CBCS) and credit framework for skill development (CFSD) from 2015-16 academic session. Some universities have already adopted the credit system for courses at different levels.

Under the choice-based credit system (CBCS), students will be able to pursue three types of courses - foundation, elective and core. Students must pursue core subjects every semester and can pick electives from a pool of subjects which are not related to their disciplines.

The CBCS will allow students to take up courses of their choice, learn at their own pace, take up additional courses and acquire more than the required credits. Thus, they can adopt an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

UGC has recommended the follow grading system:

Inputs from HT