A Look into the New Undergraduate Curriculum

The University of Delhi has released the new draft of undergraduate curriculum framework 2022 (UGCF-2022) as per the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). The University also stated in its press release that it is open to suggestions and criticisms. A google form for the same has been attached and any stakeholder can forward their views on the draft by end of the day, January 30, 2022. 

More about the Draft

Students in a four-year degree with a major in one subject require 88 credits out of 176 by semester VIII to graduate. While a student pursuing an undergraduate programme in more than one discipline as Core Course (for example B.Sc. Life Sciences, B.Sc. Mathematical Sciences, B.Com., etc) needs 80 credits out of 176 by semester VIII to graduate. For both types of courses, there is a change in the number of credits required for minor subjects, DSE (Discipline Specific Elective) and DSC (Discipline Specific Core) as well. 

The draft further discusses the concept of ABC or Academic Bank of Credit which shall give students the flexibility to ‘complete their studies depending upon their priorities of life.’ It also emphasizes the importance of language and linguistics. So, semesters I and II will offer students the opportunity to study the desired language. The framework makes research methodologies mandatory GE in VI and VII semesters for students who wish to write a dissertation in their fourth year. And as per the NEP 2020, the programme offers Multiple Entry and Exit Schemes. 

After the completion of two semesters and 22 credits, students can receive an Undergraduate Certificate in their field. Similarly, after four semesters and 44 credits, they can receive an Undergraduate Diploma in their field and post six semesters and 132 credits, they can receive a bachelors degree in their field. With 176 credits in eight semesters, they can receive a bachelors degree with a research/academic project. 

The draft also states: 

The framework does not maintain/support hierarchy among fields of study/disciplines and silos between different areas of learning. As long as a student fulfils the pre-requisites of a course of study, he/she shall be able to study it.

Find more information about the draft here.

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