National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF)

26 Sep National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF)”. This topic has relevance in the Governance section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

Key Features of NHEQF?

For Mains:

GS 2: Governance

Issues with the NHEQF?

Way Forward?

Why in the news:

The National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) has been officially approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the aim of standardizing qualifications and facilitating academic mobility.

Introduction to NHEQF: 

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has devised the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) to enhance transparency and comparability of qualifications across all levels of higher education. 
• This framework is intended for adoption by all educational institutions and is rooted in the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions a progressive transformation of India’s higher education system.

Key Features of NHEQF:

Categorization of Education:

• NHEQF divides education into eight levels, with the initial four levels falling under the National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF).
• The subsequent four levels pertain to higher education qualifications, ranging from level 4.5 to level 8.
• Each level is associated with a comprehensive level descriptor specifying learning outcomes, the volume of learning, and qualification types and titles.

Guidelines for Program Development:

• NHEQF offers guidance for the formulation and execution of study programs. This includes defining program learning outcomes, course learning outcomes, curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, assessment methods, and feedback mechanisms.

Credit Framework:

• The UGC’s credit framework mandates a minimum of 20 credits per semester.
• A credit is defined as comprising 15 hours of direct teaching and 30 hours of indirect teaching, implying that students should engage in a minimum of 900 hours of study per semester, equivalent to nearly 10 hours daily.

Broad Qualification Types:

• NHEQF encompasses a wide range of qualification types that are not limited to specific disciplines. These qualifications include certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
• The framework also accommodates qualifications from technical and vocational education as well as professional and technical education programs, except for medical and legal education, all integrated within a unified framework.

Quality Assurance Mechanism:

• NHEQF establishes a robust quality assurance mechanism, delineating the roles and responsibilities of regulators, higher education institutions, and external agencies.
• It outlines the processes and criteria for the approval, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and qualifications, ensuring adherence to defined standards and quality benchmarks.

Issues with the NHEQF:

Multiplicity of Guidelines:

• The existence of both NHEQF and the National Credit Framework creates confusion.
• Institutions must also implement the Academic Bank of Credits separately, adding to the complexity.

Ambiguity:

• NHEQF lacks clear eligibility conditions and entry pathways. This can lead to confusion for students and institutions.

Lack of Consensus:

• Some disciplines like agriculture, law, medicine, and pharmacy aren’t included, leading to fragmentation. Consensus across regulatory bodies is needed for a cohesive system.

Degrees Within a Degree:

• The framework allows certain undergraduates with high CGPAs to enter Ph.D. programs, potentially fostering elitism.

Equating Postgraduate Diplomas and Undergraduate Programs:

• The NHEQF equates postgraduate diplomas with undergraduate programs, causing confusion, especially for programs with varying durations like B.Ed.

Influence of International Models:

• The NHEQF heavily draws from the European Bologna process and Dublin descriptors. India’s diverse higher education system needs broader consultations with Indian states for a more suitable framework.

Way Forward:

• Consolidation of Frameworks: Merge NHEQF and the National Credit Framework to simplify and standardize qualification standards.
• Consultation with States: Engage in extensive consultations with Indian states to better reflect the diversity of the higher education system.
• Tailored Learning Outcomes: Develop learning outcomes specifically designed for India, considering socio-cultural and socio-economic factors.
• Holistic Development: Shift focus from employability alone to holistic personal and societal development in learning outcomes.
• Ph.D. Admission Criteria: Review Ph.D. admission criteria to avoid elitism in the higher education system.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment: Establish a mechanism for continuous monitoring and adjustment of NHEQF to adapt to evolving higher education needs.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/facilitating-degrees-within-a-degree/article67322482.ece

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 26th Sep 2023

Q.1 Which of the following statements about the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) are correct?

1. The NHEQF was outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.
2. NHEQF categorizes education into eight levels.
3. The credit framework mandated by the NHEQF requires a minimum of 30 credits per semester.

How many of the above statement/s is/are correct? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Check Answer

Q.2 Relevance and adaptability are pivotal factors in shaping the future of higher education. Discuss the key challenges and strategies for making higher education more responsive to the evolving needs of society and the job market in the 21st century

rishabh