The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday released draft guidelines introducing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in higher education, which could lead to significant changes in the nation’s blue-collar workforce. RPL would allow individuals to obtain a formal qualification that aligns with their individual competencies, subject to evaluation.
The guidelines define the RPL as a formal procedure for assessing an individual’s prior knowledge, abilities, and experience that has been acquired through formal (at educational institutions), non-formal (learning outside of formal settings), or informal (self-directed and unplanned learning) learning.
Subject to evaluation, the new program seeks to include non-formal and informal learning into the formal educational system. Through a clear framework, it gives people the chance to earn credits and codify their competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities). By assisting people in obtaining a formal degree that aligns with their unique competencies, it can enhance their employment, mobility, and capacity for lifelong learning.
During the November 14 Commission meeting, the UGC adopted the draft rules for adopting RPL by outlining a number of mechanisms. Several nations, notably Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, and New Zealand, already have this system in place.
The draft guidelines state that the RPL enables students to earn credit toward a degree based on prior learning experiences obtained through a variety of means, such as volunteer work, internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, hobbies and personal projects, and mentorship, or “Guru-Shishya Parampara.”
The program or qualification for which RPL is sought requires prior knowledge or experience. Candidates must also show how their past knowledge relates to the program’s learning objectives, competences, or prerequisites.
“We must address the issues that India’s sizeable informal labour faces, which calls for possibilities for formal education and career advancement.
The RPL enables people to receive official recognition for skills and competences learned through informal, non-formal, or experiential learning, and it is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strategy.
Through RPL, such individuals can access higher education, earn formal qualifications, and improve their employability,” said Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC.
-NSH Digidesk
