Context:
Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) finalized the ‘Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education’
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a formal mechanism used to evaluate a person’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience gained through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.
RPL is integral to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- NEP 2020 emphasizes the creation of a knowledge society in India to empower citizens in all spheres of life.
National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports RPL by facilitating the creditisation of all learning forms — academic, vocational, and experiential.
- NCrF is an inclusive one single meta-framework to seamlessly integrate the credits earned through school education, higher education and vocational & skill education.
The Key objectives of RPL guidelines in higher education:
- Provide Access to Higher Education: Enable individuals who have acquired competencies through non-formal and informal learning methods to access higher education programs.
- Offer Flexible Pathways: Create diverse and flexible pathways for individuals to access higher education based on their demonstrated competencies.
- Foster Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning to equip individuals with updated skills and knowledge.
- Encourage Lifelong Learning: Support lifelong learning to develop a competent and adaptable workforce.
- Enhance Social Inclusion: Promote social inclusion and equity for disadvantaged groups.
- Meet Regulatory Requirements: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in certain sectors by employing qualified individuals.
University Grants Commission (UGC)
It is a statutory organization established in 1956 under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
It is established under the University Grants Commission Act and Rules & Regulations Under the Act, 1956.
The UGC`s mandate includes:
- Promoting and coordinating university education.
- Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
- Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.
- Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
- Serving as a vital link between the Union and state governments and institutions of higher learning.