The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to launch a pilot of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for classes 6, 9, and 11, inviting schools affiliated with the CBSE board to participate in this initiative. This move comes as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at integrating school, higher, and vocational education for a more seamless learning journey for students.
The NCrF was introduced by the government last year to allow students to accumulate credits from the pre-primary level all the way to the PhD level. This framework is designed to enable students to transition smoothly across different levels of education, making it easier for them to continue their learning journey without any hindrance.
The CBSE has developed draft guidelines to implement the NCrF and will be testing them out through this pilot program. The guidelines outline the total notional learning hours required for the assignment of credits, which have been set at 1200 hours per year, with students being awarded 40 credits for this amount of learning. This means that for every 30 notional learning hours, students will earn one credit.
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Beyond Classroom Learning
In addition to classroom teaching and learning, students can also earn credits through various activities such as laboratory work, projects, sports, performing arts, NCC, social work, vocational education, and experiential learning. The aim is to shift the focus from traditional classroom education to a competency-based learning approach, where students are assessed based on their learning outcomes rather than just marks or grades.
The credits earned by students will be reflected in their marksheets or grade cards for final examinations, along with their marks and grades. These credits will also be deposited in the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) of each student, which will be linked to their APAAR ID and DigiLocker in the future. The APAAR ID is an Aadhaar-verified ID introduced under the One Nation One Student ID initiative.
For class 6, students will be required to maintain a minimum attendance of 75%, a rule that is currently mandatory for senior classes like 10 and 12. In class 9, students must pass in five subjects (2 languages + 3 main subjects) to be declared ‘PASS’ and eligible for earning credits. Similarly, in class 11, students need to pass in five subjects (1 language core + 4 main subjects) to be eligible for credit accumulation.
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Scope to Earn Extra Credits
Students opting for more than the minimum number of subjects in classes 9 and 11 will have the opportunity to earn additional credits. For example, those taking six to seven subjects in classes 9 and 11 can earn 47 and 54 credits respectively.
It is important to note that the guidelines shared by the CBSE for this pilot program are subject to change based on feedback and experience gained during the trial. The board will also be providing support to schools participating in the program through awareness sessions, mentorship programs, and guidance to ensure the successful implementation of the NCrF guidelines.
Overall, the launch of the NCrF pilot program by the CBSE marks a significant step towards transforming the education system in India. By encouraging a more holistic and competency-based approach to learning, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize the way students are assessed and credited for their academic achievements. As schools gear up to participate in this pilot program, it will be interesting to see how the NCrF impacts the educational landscape in the country and benefits students in the long run.
