Why is it in the News?

CBSE is reported to have proposed significant changes to the academic framework for secondary and higher secondary education, including a shift from studying two languages to three in Class 10, with the requirement that at least two must be native Indian languages.

Key Highlights of the Proposal:

Proposed Changes for Class 10:

• Transition from studying two languages to three, with a stipulation that at least two must be native Indian languages.
• Potential requirement for students to pass in 10 subjects, contrasting with the current mandate of five.

Proposed Changes for Class 12:

• Shift to studying two languages instead of one, with the condition that at least one must be a native Indian language.
• Introduction of a necessity to clear examinations in six subjects for high school graduation, up from the existing requirement of five.

The objective behind the Proposed Changes:

• These modifications are part of CBSE's broader initiative to implement a national credit framework in school education, addressing the absence of a formalized credit system in the standard curriculum.

Academic Year and National Learning Hours:

• According to the CBSE plan, an academic year will comprise 1200 notional learning hours, equivalent to earning 40 credits.
  • Notional learning denotes the specified time required for an average student to achieve set outcomes.
  • This encompasses both academic learning at school and non-academic or experiential learning outside of it.

Storage of Earned Credits:

• The scheme of studies has been adjusted to outline teaching hours and credits earned for each subject.
  • These earned credits will be digitally stored in the Academic Bank of Credits, accessible through a linked Digilocker account.

What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?

• The draft NCrF was introduced by the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2022, based on recommendations from an inter-ministerial committee.
• It serves as a guideline for schools, colleges, and universities to adopt the credit system, marking the inclusion of the entire school education system under its purview.
• Previously, only the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) followed a credit system, but the NCrF extended its coverage to include skill and vocational education.

Proposed Benefits of NCrF for Various Stakeholders:

• Students:
  • Facilitates multidisciplinary education with flexible curricula.
  • Eliminates distinctions between different streams like arts, science, social sciences, and commerce.
  • Rewards students with credits for academic, skill, and experiential learning.
  • Expands core learning to encompass both foundational and cognitive aspects.
• Institutions:
  • Fosters collaboration between institutions.
  • Simplifies and standardizes credit mechanisms.
  • Emphasizes research and innovation.
  • Utilizes institutional infrastructure efficiently.
• Government:
  • Expected to increase student enrollment rates.
  • Complements India's demographic dividend, aiming to become the Skill Capital of the World.
• Industry:
  • Enables students to acquire NSQF-approved foundational skills from the industry, enhancing employability.
  • Allows for quick educational upgradation and up-skilling through micro-credentials.

Significance of NCrF:

• Aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating academic and vocational domains for flexibility and mobility.
• Facilitates re-entry into the education system for students who have dropped out.
• Promotes Recognition of Prior Learning, acknowledging skills acquired informally through various means.