The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has introduced an innovative Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate Programs, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

This new framework is distinguished by its emphasis on multidisciplinary and comprehensive education, providing students with adaptable options for entry and exit. UGC Chairman Professor M Jagadesh Kumar has called upon all higher education institutions to promptly embrace this framework, which empowers students to select their courses and switch fields, aligning with the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) and National Credit Framework (NCrF). Moreover, the framework facilitates the recognition of professional experience for credits and enables students to pursue multiple degrees concurrently or via online platforms.

A key feature of the updated postgraduate curriculum framework is its enhanced flexibility and student mobility.

Undergraduate (UG) students who have chosen a major and minor can now select a postgraduate (PG) field of study that aligns with their UG major/minor or switch to a different discipline, contingent upon passing a national or university entrance exam.

The framework accommodates various modes of learning—online, offline, and hybrid—and facilitates credit transfer through the Academic Bank of Credits. It aims to cultivate deep knowledge and multidisciplinary problem-solving skills in PG programs, with detailed credit systems and learning outcomes specified in the NHEQF. This ensures a smooth transition from level 6 to level 7 across different credentials such as diplomas and degrees.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have the flexibility to offer diverse PG program structures, including 1-year, 2-year, and integrated 5-year courses, addressing diverse student interests and emerging fields like AI and Machine Learning. The policy also acknowledges work experience and encourages interdisciplinary learning. Each program type offers distinct pathways; for instance, the 2-year PG program includes coursework, research, or a combination thereof, while the 1-year PG program is tailored for students with a 4-year undergraduate degree, providing similar options.

Moreover, students who exit the 2-year PG program after the first year will receive a Postgraduate Diploma. The framework’s credit distribution guidelines outline minimum requirements for coursework and research, emphasizing advanced skills and practical experience.

Additionally, the new framework allows for a maximum of two years' worth of credits to be earned through relevant work experience. NEP 2020 facilitates student transitions into various PG programs with formative and continuous assessments, ensuring inclusive and flexible education while promoting horizontal and vertical mobility in higher education through the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) guidelines.