NEP 2020 & NCrF

- NEP 2020 & NCrF

NEP 2020 & NCrF

A Simple Breakdown by DIBNS
NEP 2020 is a landmark education structure reform that focuses on bringing equity, quality, accountability, affordability and access to our education sector, especially as college/university level. It encourages diversity of disciplines and thoughts with a focus on holistic growth for an experience of life-long learning. Under NEP 2020, you are no longer required to study just one discipline. You can add multiple subjects to enhance your skills, understanding, values and much more! All governed by a system of academic credits that will be deposited in your account at the ACADEMIC BANK OF CREDITS (ABC) for all courses and extracurricular activities you engage in. You are also able to utilize the Multiple Entries and Multiple Exits system so as to traverse your academic journey at your own pace!

Let’s break all this down

Throughout this we’ll be referencing course frameworks created by D.I.B.N.S. departments, according to UGC guidelines.

A) DEFINATIONS BREAKDOWN – Understanding the Basics.

#1 – Multiple Entries and Multiple Exits

Well it’s exactly what it sounds like, you can leave and rejoin your course anytime you like! You get ample time of total 7 years to obtain Bachelors (Hons.) or Bachelors (Hons. with Research), if you wish to continue the programme till end. You can also switch the major course within the broad discipline (e.g. – from botany to zoology under Basic & Allied Sciences) at end of 1st year, i.e. 2nd semester! Check out Table 2.0 for all nerdy details.  

#2 – Semesters & Credits

1 semester = minimum 90 working days OR 15 weeks (6 days per week of course-work). 1 academic year = 2 semesters. Summer term = 8 weeks during summer vacation. CREDITS measure the amount of course-work done by engaging/learning in lectures, tutorials, practical/lab/field work, seminars, internships, extracurricular/co-curricular activities. Amount of work is measured by hours you have spent engaging/learning. You earn credits by: fulfilling minimum required engagement hours AND passing your semester/yearly examinations. No, your percentage doesn’t determine the number of credits or whether you will get the credits. The percentage of marks you achieve in examinations only determines your overall grade.     

#3 – Credit Hours and Workload Distribution

You will earn credits based on the following number of credit hours (the measurement unit of your workload) 1 credit FOR 1 hour per week for 15 weeks = 15 hours in one semester of lectures / tutorials learning. 1 credit FOR 2 hour per week for 15 weeks = 30 hours in one semester of practical / project / field / workshop / seminar / internship / community service / studio work and activities.

B) THE DIFFERENT COURSE TYPES – The Hot Seat Question.

Via NEP 2020 you are able to choose your preferred subjects to design your curriculum under these categories

#1 – CORE/MAJOR COURSES

Your main area/programme of academic interest and study, for e.g. – Biotechnology. - Courses, here, basically means a unit of the programme, like molecular biology and genetics and units studied in Biotechnology.

#2 – MINOR COURSES

To help you broaden your understanding of the major course itself, for e.g. – With Biotechnology, you can opt for Enzymology, Biophysics, etc. - The minor discipline you select in the fourth semester will be maintained throughout the duration of the program.

#3 – VOCATIONAL COURSES

To explore additional job opportunities, different from your main occupation, by introducing you to courses on – Documentary filmmaking, mobile app development, make-up artistry, event management, tally accounting, painting, choreography, creative writing, etc.

#4 – MULTIDISCIPLINARY COURSES

A subject that you have not studied in school, but want to learn its fundamentals for an enhanced intellectual experience. Say – basic concepts in lab techniques, web designing, e-commerce, etc.

#5 – ABILITY ENHANCEMENT COURSES (AEC)

Mainly to focus on increasing your communication skills for better work efficiency, for e.g. – study of English, French, German or Spanish. Although it also includes subjects like Personality Development.

#6 – SKILL ENHANCEMENT COURSES (SEC)

To help you gain additional skills in the field of your choice, for better employability, for e.g. – Stress Management, Basics of Internet, Radiation safety, etc.

#7 – VALUE ADDED COURSES (VAC)

To enhance your social values, fitness and global awareness, for e.g. – courses on Yoga Education, History of Science, Cloud Computing, Financial Literacy, First-Aid and Happiness.

#8 – SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

During summer vacation for 8 weeks, to help you experience real work situations. You may opt for internships offered through the college or apply for one yourself.

#9 – RESEARCH PROJECT/DISSERTATION

In the fourth academic year (7th – 8th semesters), for a Bachelor’s Honours with Research Degree, you can choose to conduct a research study under the guidance of a faculty member.

C) NUMBERS BREAKDOWN – All the Nerdy Details.

S.NoCOURSE TYPEMINIMUM CREDITS AWARDED FOR EACH COURSE (per semester) TOTAL MINIMUM CREDITS NEEDED
(in 8 semesters)
SEMESTERS THAT THE COURSE CAN BE OPTED IN
1Core Courses4801st – 8th
2Minor Courses4164th – 8th
3Vocational Courses4161st – 4th
4Multidisciplinary Courses391st – 4th
5AEC281st – 4th
6SEC391st – 4th
7VAC261st – 4th
8Summer Internship244th – 8th
9Research Project/Dissertation12127th - 8th

C) NUMBERS BREAKDOWN – All the Nerdy Details.

IF YOU EXIT AFTERMINIMUM CREDITS
REQUIRED (as per UGC guidelines)		YOU GET AWARDED
1st year40 + 4 (internship / vocational course during summer vacation) = 44U.G. Certificate
2nd year80 + 4 (internship / vocational course during summer vacation of second year) = 84U.G. Diploma
3rd year108 (minimum 60 from core courses and 30 from minor courses) + 12 (additional theory courses) = 120Bachelors Degree
4th year148 (minimum 80 from core courses and 40 from minor courses) + 12 (research project/dissertation or additional theory courses) = 160Bachelors (Hons.) OR Bachelors (Hons. /Hons. With Research) Degree

At Dolphin Institute, you will be able to take up MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) up to a permissible limit to earn credits, if you so choose, in place of choosing courses from the DIBNS pool. And lastly, if you utilize ME-ME system, any work or education gained by you during your gap year(s), can potentially earn you credits on review by the institute, which may reduce the minimum credit limit you need to achieve for the next step.

For even more details please refer to curriculum framework of the programme you are interested in and you can reach out to DIBNS if you have any further enquiries

All you do to enrich yourself counts with an NEP 2020 Powered Institute.
So there you go! All caught up and ready to take on this opportunity armed with all the knowledge you need about NEP 2020 and how DIBNS has adopted this landmark policy.
CARPE DIEM!