Context: Recently, the Government of India unveiled the draft National Credit Framework (NCrF) to enable the integration of academic and vocational domains.

About National Credit Framework 

• It is a next generation, multidimensional instrument under National Education Policy (NEP). 

Aim of NCrF

• To formulate a unified credit accumulation and transfer for general and vocational studies, and from school to higher education.

Formulated under

• UGC (Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank Of Credits in Higher Education) Regulations, notified in July 2021.

Credits for School Students

• While the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) follows a credit system, currently there is no established credit mechanism for regular school education in the country.

• At the higher education level, there is a choice-based credit system, where the requirement for awarding a degree or diploma or certificate is prescribed in terms of the number of credits to be earned by students.

• School students will be able to earn credits from classroom learning as well as extracurricular activities, which will be deposited in a credit bank. This system is already in place at the higher academic level.

Integration of All Frameworks

• Besides, frameworks for higher education and skill education are currently not integrated, and the proposal is to integrate all frameworks, including the one at school level, under one umbrella.

• NCrF will seamlessly integrate the credits earned through school education, higher education and vocational and skill education by encompassing the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF). 

Aadhaar-enabled Student Registration

• There are plans to conduct an “Aadhaar-enabled student registration” drive where student registration will take place. 

Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)

• After student registration, an Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) account will be opened, where credits can be deposited. The deposit of degree and credits will take place in those accounts.

Knowledge Locker

• There will be a knowledge locker along the lines of DigiLocker.

Proposed benefits of NCrF

• Students: NCrF will ensure flexibility in the duration of study/courses through provisions of multiple entries and exit/work options as well as pave the path for creditisation of all learning hours, including academic, vocational and experiential learning. It will also give the provision for lifelong learning – anytime anywhere learning.

• Institutions: NCrF will bring about a unification of higher education institutions to promote multidisciplinary education, creating a diverse and rich student knowledge base.

• Government: NCrF is expected to assist the government to increase the enrolment of students, helping to fulfil the national vision of complementing the demographic dividend and transforming India into the Skill Capital of the World. 

• Industry: NCrF will allow students to attain NSQF-approved foundational skills developed by industry and be more employable. The provision of micro-credentials will allow integration of quick educational upgradation/up-skilling.