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New UGC guidelines to promote ‘life-long’ learning
The University Grants Commission finalises guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education to provide access, recognition, and career progression opportunities
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has finalised the ‘Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education’ to provide access to education and to enable the concept of life-long education. RPL is defined in the guidelines as a formal mechanism used to evaluate a person’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience gained through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.
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opportunities. File | Photo Credit: R. Ravindran
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has finalised the ‘Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education’ to provide access to education and to enable the concept of life-long education.
RPL is defined in the guidelines as a formal mechanism used to evaluate a person’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience gained through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.
Also read: CUET-UG, PG set to undergo changes in 2025, revised norms to be announced soon, says UGC chief
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UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar said the guidelines are to address the challenges faced by India’s large informal workforce, which requires formal education and career progression opportunities.
He said RPL is integral to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “RPL allows individuals to gain formal recognition for skills and competencies acquired through informal, non-formal, or experiential learning. Through RPL, such individuals can access higher education, earn formal qualifications, and improve their employability,” he said.
The National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports RPL by facilitating the creditisation of all learning forms —academic, vocational, and experiential, he said. “To enable individuals to convert their skills into qualifications, RPL helps bridge the gap between real-world experience and formal education and enhance career prospects. RPL contributes to economic growth, social inclusion, and a more skilled workforce,” Mr. Kumar said.
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The guidelines emphasise robust governance, quality assurance, and collaboration among policymakers, educational institutions, employers, and assessment bodies to ensure fairness, consistency, and inclusivity while implementing RPL. The objectives of RPL guidelines include enabling individuals who have acquired competencies through non-formal and informal learning methods to access higher education programmes.
It also aims to offer flexible pathways for individuals with various educational backgrounds and learning experiences to access higher education based on their demonstrated competencies. It promotes a continuous learning to equip individuals with the updated skills and knowledge necessary to meet evolving career demands. It also supports lifelong learning to develop a competent and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing labour market
The guidelines acknowledge and value experiential learning to offer marginalised groups the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications and improve their socio-economic status. “Promote social inclusion and equity for disadvantaged groups by recognising experiential learning and providing opportunities to obtain qualifications,” the guidelines said
thehindu.com