Context:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to introduce updated degree names that align with global norms and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These revised degree names will encompass a Bachelor of Science in various disciplines, including arts, humanities, management, and commerce.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Introduction of New College Degree Names by UGC
- About University Grants Commission (UGC)
About Introduction of New College Degree Names by UGC
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is planning to introduce a new range of college degree names, including a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in disciplines like arts, humanities, management, and commerce. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and global norms. The aim is to restructure undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and provide more flexibility to students.
Redefining Degree Nomenclatures
Current Scenario:
- UGC currently permits universities to offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in arts, humanities, and social sciences, while Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is typically given for science subjects.
Committee Recommendations:
- A committee was formed by the UGC to review degree nomenclatures in accordance with the NEP 2020.
- The committee recommends that the new four-year undergraduate honours degree programme can be offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree regardless of the discipline.
- The Master of Science (MS) nomenclature can be adopted for postgraduate programmes, even for disciplines like arts, humanities, management, and commerce.
Practice Abroad:
- Many universities abroad offer both BA and BS degrees in the same subject, differentiating the curriculum.
- A BS degree provides specialized education, while a BA degree offers more flexibility.
- For example, Harvard University offers both BA and BS degrees in engineering sciences.
Other Committee Recommendations
- Four-Year Undergraduate Honours Degree Programme:
- The degree will include ‘Hons’ in brackets, such as BA (Hons), BCom (Hons), or BS (Hons).
Discontinuation of ‘MPhil’ Degree:
- The committee recommends discontinuing the ‘MPhil’ degree as per the NEP 2020’s recommendation to scrap the MPhil programme.
Award of Qualification:
- Students who have earned all the required credits for a programme can be considered for the award of a qualification (certificate, diploma, or degree) before completing the programme’s duration.
Public Feedback:
- The UGC will share the committee’s recommendations in the public domain for feedback.
- After considering the feedback, the UGC will notify the fresh set of degree nomenclatures.
About University Grants Commission (UGC)
- The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory body established under the UGC Act, 1956.
- Its primary role is to coordinate, determine, and maintain the standards of higher education in India.
- The UGC grants recognition to universities and provides financial support to recognized universities and colleges. • It operates under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
Mandate of UGC:
- Promoting and Coordinating University Education: The UGC works towards the promotion and coordination of university education across India.
- Determining and Maintaining Standards: It is responsible for setting and maintaining standards of teaching, examination, and research in universities.
- Framing Regulations on Education Standards: The UGC formulates regulations to establish minimum standards of education in universities and colleges.
- Monitoring Developments in Education: The UGC keeps track of developments in collegiate and university education and takes necessary actions.
- Disbursing Grants: It disburses grants to universities and colleges for their development and improvement.
- Serving as a Link and Advisor: The UGC acts as a crucial link between the Union and State governments and institutions of higher learning. It provides advice to the Central and State governments on measures for enhancing university education.
-Source: Indian Express
