New UGC credit system to help students become employable: experts

If the UGC’s credit transfer system is implemented in an organised, phased manner, experts and students are convinced of its benefits, especially for students switching cities and for those who have inter-disciplinary interests.

“A science student can study, say, philosophy, or a mass media student can take up computer science,” says St Andrew’s College principal Marie Fernandes. “This will not only help develop their knowledge, but also their personality from a more holistic perspective.”

Fernandes adds that it has the potential to make students more employable, since core courses will focus on theoretical, academic aspects, while the electives will be more practical and creativity-oriented.

“Moreover, working professionals will also be allowed to take credit courses – this will encourage more people to come back and finish their undergraduate degrees, fighting the high dropout rates,” says Shilpa Pathak, education counsellor. “It will also help bring some form of uniformity in India’s diverse education system. It is a brave and ambitious proposal, and if implemented well, will lead to not only a qualified workforce but an educated one.”

Students, too, look forward to the change.

BMM graduate Akshita Bhadauria, now studying a postgraduate course in public relations, says that this system could eliminate the need for an additional postgraduate diploma, since the elective courses could take care of your practical skills. “The BMM degree itself has so many different subjects, they only skim the surface. A deeper elective would impart skills-training as well, so graduates can work directly after the undergraduate course,” she says.

Expert Speak
The credit transfer system opens up many windows. Students will gain practical education, but will also not regret not having found the time for hobbies while in college. This move is also a great filter to students’ confusions about their career options, allowing them to explore various paths at a young age- Ashok Wadia, principal, Jai Hind College