Core Subject Combinations under NEP 2020

Introduction

The old education policy of 1986 emphasized on giving everyone the opportunity to study. But the new National Education Policy (NEP) introduced in 2020 has made it more important, according to the interests of students. Now studies are not limited to books only, but many new courses, practical work, internships, and fields like hobbies have also become a part of education. Now whatever you learn, its full record will be found on your transcript or report card.

Nearly 144 autonomous institutes (87 general and 57 professional) of Maharashtra have started implementing NEP from 2023-24. It will be fully implemented in all 3500 colleges by 2024-25.

A task force was formed under the leadership of scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar for NEP implementation. His and Dr. Ravindra Kulkarni committee’s report identified some important challenges and also gave solutions:

• Shifting from access to quality education.
• Bringing excellence in both research and teaching.
• Empowering colleges by improving the governance system.
• Promoting the culture of innovation and creativity.
• Promote frontier research, so that India can become a leader, not a follower.

NEP’s direction for UG students

Under NEP, UG education has been designed in a new way. Let’s take a look at some new features:

• Thinking beyond the textbook: Not just ratification, now critical thinking, communication and creativity will be given importance.
• Flexible Curriculum: You can study Music or Political Science even if you are a Science student.
• Multidisciplinary Learning: Every student can try new combinations apart from their major subject.
• Flexible UG Programs: There are options of 3 or 4 year programs in which you can exit with a certificate or diploma.
• Emphasis on Skill Training: Now vocational skills will also be taught along with academics.
• Community and Environment Courses: These courses will make you a responsible citizen.
• Internships and On-the-Job Training (OJT): You will get practical exposure which will make it easier to get jobs.

Benefits of NEP for Students

Students get many benefits from the new model of NEP:

• You can study a course from any stream.
• You make studying interesting by choosing a course according to your interest.
• With the Multiple Entry-Exit system, you can stop studying and start again at any time.
• Credit transfer between colleges is possible.
• You get the freedom to study offline, online or in hybrid mode.
• Through Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), the record of every credit will be kept in digital form.

Role of National Credit Framework (NCrF)

NCrF is a system that converts every kind of learning experience into credits. You can also earn credits through internship, project or online course. Advantages of NCrF:

• Credit transfer within India is easy.
• Foreign universities also recognize your Indian credits.
• A flexible and international level learning system is created for the students.

Structure of 4-Year Degree Program

Under NEP, you get a 3 or 4 year UG program. In this program you get major, minor, electives, skill courses, and real-world training. You will get different degrees according to the credits:

• UG Certificate after 1 year: 40-44 credits
• UG Diploma after 2 years: 80-88 credits
• Bachelor’s Degree after 3 years: 120-132 credits
• Bachelor’s Degree (with Honors or Research) after 4 years: 160-176 credits

Students can start or stop studies anytime through MEME (Multi Entry Multi Exit) System, according to their financial or personal conditions.

Different Verticals and Credit Allocation of 4-Year Degree

In the 4-year UG program, learning is divided into 6 verticals:

Vertical	Credit Share
Major Subject	~50%
Minor Subject	~11%
Generic/Open Electives	~6%
Vocational & Skill Courses	~9%
Life Skills & Knowledge Integration	~8%
Experiential/Real World Learning	~20%

(1) Major Subject:

You have to choose a subject in which you study in depth, like BA Philosophy or B.Sc. Chemistry. Major subject makes you career ready. You also develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

(2) Minor Subjects:

Minor subjects give you a chance to explore new areas. For example, a Philosophy major may take a Mathematics or Journalism minor.

(3) Generic/Open Electives:

You can choose these electives from any stream. For example, a Science student may study German language or Photography.

(4) Vocational & Skill Enhancement Courses:

These courses help you learn practical skills that are useful in the job market. These courses provide hands-on training such as lab practicals, computer applications, or factory work.

(5) Life Skills & Knowledge Integration:

These courses teach communication, ethics, engineering, and other related subjects. These help in mental awareness, and digital skills. These include modules like AEC (Ability Enhancement Course), IKS (Indian Knowledge System), and VEC (Value Education Course).

(6) Experiential Learning:

In this, you participate in field projects, internships, community service, research projects, and co-curricular activities like yoga, NSS, dance, music, etc. This develops real-world skills.

7. Conclusion

NEP 2020 is an attempt to create a modern and flexible education system where every student can choose courses as per their wish. Skill-based learning, internships, and real-world exposure are the core part of NEP. This system is not limited to just giving degrees but also makes students job-ready and socially aware.

If you want a curriculum that combines creativity, flexibility and practical learning, then the new UG programmes under NEP are a perfect option for you. These new combinations also open up new career options for you which you can pursue according to your interest.