National Credit Framework (NCrf)

Syllabus:

GS 2: Education

Why in the News?

National Credit Framework (NCrF) introduced to facilitate reforms in higher education, which balances vocational training with academic research to meet the evolving socio-economic needs of India.

National Credit Framework (NCrF)

Introduction

  • The National Credit Framework (NCrF), in line with NEP 2020, provides a transformational platform for Indian higher education by integrating academic skills with vocational skills training.
  • NCrf encourages flexibility and multidisciplinary learning, preparing students for employment developing markets and fostering personal and social development.

National Credit Framework (NCrF) 

  • Inclusive Policy: NCrF integrates school, higher education, and vocational education into one credit program.
  • Credit Assignment: 40 credits are awarded for 1200 hours of learning per year, each credit equal to 30 hours.
  • Flexibility: NCRF allows for mobility between vocational degrees, enabling multiple entry options and loan accumulation across different courses.

Scrutiny

  • Competency-Based Education: Credit is based on academic achievement and includes both academic and experiential/industrial learning.
  • Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): It stores and redeems credits digitally, ensuring portability and easy verification.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

  • NEP 2020 aims to transform education in India, moving away from the colonial mindset.
  • It is a vision document that focuses on transforming schools, higher education, vocational and skills education.

National Credit Framework (NCrF)

  • NCRF is derived from NEP 2020 as a flexible framework for educational institutions.
  • It allows credit to be pooled and transferred for a variety of disciplines, including competency-based education.
  • Higher education institutions (HEIs) can use this framework to integrate interdisciplinary learning.
  • The NCRF acts as an enabler, not a regulatory framework, that advances educational reform.

NCrf: Transforming Education in India

Flexible Approach

  • National Credit Program (NCrF) allows students to earn degrees in a variety of programs, provided they are tested.
  • Credit can be earned for classroom teaching, lab work, tinkering labs, research projects, and activities.
  • Credit framework includes Activities like sports, yoga, acting, music, handicrafts, social work, National Service Scheme (NSS).
  • Diversity: Students can earn credits in internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, experiential learning, and vocational education.
  • Flexibility and Variability offered by the NCRF provides a broad, interdisciplinary approach to higher education.

Challenges

  • Flexibility in the NCrF is viewed with skepticism by a number of individuals rooted in traditional teaching methods.
  • Reason for the hesitation is India’s inability to adapt to changing technological, educational and social needs.
  • NEP 2020 is dynamic and needs to be improved, but this cynical view on curriculum reform ignores this.

Revision in Curriculum- Need of hour

  • NCRF is essential to maintain the competitiveness of educational institutions in the face of rapid economic and technological change.
  • Curriculum needs to be revised to reflect evolving job requirements and skills required by emerging industries, to fill industry-academic mismatch.
  • Universities and colleges need to bridge the skills gap in order to sustain employment prospects for students.

Dual Role

  • Universities need to focus on developing students’ practical skills for new positions and their own careers, rather than simply building knowledge.
  • Higher education can play the dual role of knowledge generation and skill development with the help of NCRF.
  • This state-of-the-art approach will prepare students for both academic and career goals.

Significance of Reforms in higher education

Why reforms needed?

  • Reforms in higher education are essential to promote educational democratization and ensure social equality.
  • Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must avoid stagnation in order to constantly adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Quality of education is compromised due to resistance to change, hindering progress.

Multidisciplinary Approach

  • NEP 2020 recommends setting up of inter-disciplinary Educational Research Universities (MERUs).
  • The aim of these institutions is to train scholars and intellectuals but they should not be considered as the sole focus of higher education.
  • Other secondary institutions should also give priority to vocational and skills training to improve the performance of the students.

Student Empowerment

  • National Credit Scheme (NCrF) enables students to acquire practical knowledge and skills through a flexible curriculum.
  • This approach helps to enhance social development by aligning education with new economic realities and corresponding social aspirations.
  • Resistance to these structural changes has supported outdated teaching methods that are no longer relevant in the modern world.

    Balance education and training

    Inter-relation

    • Higher education institutions (HEIs) can focus on both professional training and specialized research.
    • Knowledge creation and skills training should be viewed as interrelated processes, each equally important.
    • Those who acquire professional skills can have a significant impact, as can those involved in research and innovation.

    Significance of NCrf

    • NCrF seeks to help universities maintain a balance between learning and practical training.
    • This balance assures that universities and colleges make a meaningful contribution to the future of students and socio-economic development of society.

    Redefining Higher Education

    • Higher education courses should be flexible and include competency-based interdisciplinary courses.
    • If India is to position itself as a global leader in technology and finance, it needs to make these changes.
    • Those who oppose reform and support higher education are out of touch with modern society and have old-fashioned views.

    Conclusion

    National Credit Framework (NCrF) offers a balanced approach, combining professional skills with academic skills. Embracing these changes will boost productivity, encourage innovation and ensure evolution of India into global economic and technological leader.

    Source: The hindu

    Mains Practice Question:

    “Education beyond classroom” how NCrf makes it reality? Analyse the challenges and benefits of integrating vocational education and training with traditional education in higher educational institutions.