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  • Category: Admissions
    Points:30 (₹ 30)

    Are biannual admissions feasible in the context of Indian Universities - Active GD

    This topic has been taken up as an active GD today (19th June '24). Participate with your views for/against/both lucidly and don't just give a list of points. Please adhere to forum posting guidelines.

    The reward: Up to a maximum of two participants will get a cash reward of Rs. 150/-. Enhanced points and cc may be given to a few other good responses.

    Closing date of this GD: 22nd June 2024.

    ---
    Recently, the University Grants Commission has brought up a major change allowing the universities/colleges in India to run two academic sessions per year like the universities in the Western countries, instead of a single session. The UGC claims that it is not mandatory and is flexible that the institutions may implement biannual admissions (July/August and January/February sessions) for UG/PG/PhD programs based on the availability of the faculty and infrastructure for the benefit of the students pursuing higher education. The UGC had already permitted to conduct two sessions in an academic year for online courses and distance/open learning programs. This would benefit the students, who cannot procure admissions due to various issues.

    From the point of view of the universities in India, is it feasible to conduct biannual sessions with the existing resources/infrastructure and the staff crunch? These are most important before planning for another academic intake. Except for some private universities and higher education institutions in the major cities, it is cumbersome for government institutions and other universities in remote areas, I feel. If they would do it is only for money's sake with the quality of education being compromised.
  • #780235

    Points:5
    All the members must be aware that in accordance with NEP-2020, UGC is going to take some revolutionary steps for the convenience of students. Some of these steps are 'Multiple Entry Multiple Exit' and ;Bi-annual Admission'. Of course, there are skepticism and objections all around. But, the Government and the UGC under the dynamic leadership of Mammidala Jagdish Kumar (who earlier dealt with the destructive communist students above 30 in JNU with an iron hand) are determined to implement the reform initially in all the Central Universities and thereafter in the state universities and the private universities.

    Of course, there will be teething problems, but these will be sorted out in due course. I am sure that after this step, students taking admission in universities and affiliated colleges will be immensely benefited.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #780237

      

    Points:1
    We are looking into the feasibility of having this as an active GD. We will refer it to the Webmasters and then re-open this thread.
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #780282

      

    Points:2
    Thank you, Bhavani for a good topic for forum discussion.

    This topic is now open for an active GD with rewards as announced. Go through the entire text which Bhavani has put up, and bring out your views on various aspects. Let us see some good participation!
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #780283

    Points:5
    Given the large masses of students appearing for the different competitive tests in the yearly session becomes unmanageable for authorities to evaluate the answer - sheets. This extra load can be minimised by resorting to biannual sessions. Even the students would feel relaxed in the bi-annual system of examination. They would have a positive hope of doing a better performance in the next test if they could not clear the same in the first instance.
    Even if a candidate has performed better in the Maidan test, he might remain under the impression that the performance can still be improved by improving his rank in the next test, there is minimal time wastage in their effort.
    Considering their betterment in the ensuing test with a minimum time loss, biannual system would suit many aspirants. That is the way of encouraging the aspirants to show their best in the biannual system. Since the best performance of either of the two tests is to be considered, it could create a great relief for the aspirants.
    Since the test is to be evaluated through the computerization system, there would not be any addition of significant manpower in the evaluation process. However, a positive feeling of the candidates can be observed in the biannual system of the test.

  • #780285

    Points:5
    UGC has allowed the institutions for going for this new system if they wish to do that change in their existing system. So it is going to be an optional thing. Now, some institutions might go for this new concept of admitting students two times a year but they would require more faculty and more infrastructure and that would be the main challenge that they would face. Those institutions which go for this change might earn more revenue in terms of fees but a good part of that would go for raising the faculty for additional students.
    For students, it would be a better situation because for them the chances of admission would increase. Moreover, the loss of time to a student who misses the admission would be limited to six months instead of one year. So, in some cases it appears a win-win situation.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #780290

    Points:4 (₹ 2)
    I would say that it is a bold decision by UGC to allow the institutions for starting two sessions in a year and it is optional to do it for them. Some of the institutions who get a good number of students for admission may benefit by it by increasing their capacity in this regard. They will eventually have more number of students in their institute.
    My apprehension is that though some institutions will get benefited but there are a large number of educational institutions in our country and many of them are suffering from lack of students. So they may find it difficult to run as some of their students might try to shift to the big and reputed institutions which are now going for two sessions a year thing.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #780292

    Points:2
    One interesting thing that emerges from the application of this provision is that in some institutes the faculty might not be much engaged and same could be used for the second batch. Such Institutes would definitely be benefited by that.
    So in my view this provision will not be beneficial to all the institutions but to the select ones.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #780295

    Points:4
    The decision taken by the UGC would welcome most of the students due to the fact that they would get an opportunity for their admissions despite missing the earlier deadlines for their admission for the reasons beyond control. Reasons could be manifold including mother's illness or some other calamity which he did not perceive.
    Since the existing system does not allow for any concession in case he misses such an opportunity, the provision of a chance for entertaining such students in the biannual session would be a bonanza for the deprived students, though he is losing six months due to the unforeseen situations.
    The candidates would be more happy to secure admissions for their coveted courses under the revised formulation.

  • #780302

    Points:5
    NEP 2020 formulation is a far-sighted planning considering the benefits of the student - community and the same is to be implemented gradually. Currently, there are many ifs and buts, however, the ambiguity will be sorted out soon.
    There might be some implementation delay which could be foreseen at this juncture. However, the Ministry of Education should examine all the feasible steps in favour of the students as far as I think.
    Introduction of different level courses such as the UG/ PG/ Ph.D would prove to a great boon for the aspirants interested in pursuing such courses. Regarding the development of infrastructure and addition of the staff in running the courses smoothly should be the prime responsibility of the education department and UGC.
    The entire machinery has to look after the welfare of the student - community though it might be expensive at the initial stage.
    The Ministry of the education & UGC has to work out a model regarding its successful implementation uniformly irrespective of the status of the universities and the colleges for the smooth running of the courses.

  • #780303

    Points:5
    Biannual admissions are a blessing to the student community. Universities should accept this gear up themselves to accommodate biannual admissions process. Many universities have admission directorates separately and this directorate will be looking after the process of admissions. Generally, these admission cells will have hectic work during admissions time. So the workload on them may increase. But that is not an issue. As per the NEP, all universities are directed to start this process.
    When I was attending my graduation final year examinations, I could not do well in one subject due to health issues. Because of that, I lost one year even though I completed 1st year and 2nd year with a very good percentage. I completed the final year of all papers in October of the same year. But I waited till next year April for admission to the PG course. Had this system been there those days I might have saved one year.
    There are many advantages if we have this system and many foreign universities are following the system of two times admissions in one year.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780304

    Points:5 (₹ 3)
    A biannual admissions system will enhance the chances of a student to get enrolled in the course he desires. This change may increase flexibility for the student in obtaining a seat in the college he/ she desires and in the course he/she wants. Many students may miss their admission due to various reasons like personal issues, career aspirations and examination outcomes. Such students have to wait for a year to try their luck. Some students may compromise on the college or subject. But with the new system, the chances will be doubled to get a seat in the desired course and the desired institutes.
    This system may help the students by reducing pressure on them. The institutions may require additional resources. This will create more employment opportunities also. This move is student-friendly and one should welcome this now almost all institutes are gearing up for the same.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780305

    Points:8 (₹ 8)
    The UGC's initiative is more likely student-driven, yet the infrastructure/sufficient faculty is not up to the mark to admit them biannually in the colleges/institutions. There is no faculty, yet admissions are invited for courses in some colleges or institutions. The biannual admissions require a complete refurbishment of the administrative framework and revised academic curriculum. Moreover, the UGC has not specified the programs that could be offered twice a year. In addition, there may arise an issue of staff crunch, where the faculties are overburdened with the commencement of five-year integrated, four-year UG courses, diploma, and online certificate programs. With this existing scenario, the implementation of biannual admissions is not feasible unless the UGC revamps the guidelines for initiating this academic changeover.

  • #780306

    Points:5
    There is no binding on the institutions to start this immediately for all the subjects and courses. When many other countries are following the system why can't we? We should think along those lines. Each institute can assess the infrastructure and facilities available and whatever courses they feel feasible for them, that can be started so that there will be a beginning.
    As per the news in various standard newspapers, about half a million students may benefit. As per the figures published by the Distance Education Bureau, in the distance education mode/online education about 19.73 lakh4 students got admitted in July 2022 and about 4.28 lakh students joined in Jan 2023 after allowing this system last year. Seeing this only the UGC has decided to make this optional to the institutes.
    Instead of saying no to a change, the institutes should think in such a way that the student community will benefit. They can create the required facilities and the institutes will also get more revenue by doing this as the admissions will increase.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780307

    Points:4
    In my opinion, there are many benefits to institutes also by following this system.
    The utilisation of available resources will be improved. The facilities they have like library, laboratory, playground etc will become more. The institutes can accommodate more students by having proper planning. More number of students can be enrolled. The gross enrolment ratio will increase. ( Ratio between the population and the number of students admitted to a particular course). This system may allow our Indian institutes to increase their collaborations with other reputed universities es worldwide which are already following this system. More students from abroad can also be accommodated which will enhance the reputation of our country's education system.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780310

    Points:4
    This is a new proposition made by UGC and it is clear that every institute is not going to implement it. They will have to do it after due deliberations and taking all the pros and cons in the matter.
    Only advantage would be for the students who are at a margin of qualifying requirement of a course and their chances of getting admission might increase.
    This practice will be adopted by some institutions and UGC would analyse it as how much this new proposition is going to help the students as well as the institutions. Whenever a new idea is implemented its usefulness and outcome are to be seen in detailes by the regulatory authorities like UGC.
    Only then the real benefits of this scheme would be known.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #780312

    Points:5
    In our country, we have a large number of students pursuing a course of their interest which should be recognised and accepted by other foreign institutions/universities. If we allow students to opt for their education in line with the introduction of the newly formulated NEP 2020 policy, it would be a welcome step.
    However, considering the economic condition of our country, we must make our education system affordable in terms of cost by slashing down fees of such courses for such candidates whose family incomes are meagre but the contenders are brilliant otherwise. Such type of concession might multiply the number of students for the different courses.
    The other valuable point in this line is to study the syllabus of the best universities located in the country such as the German, France, England, USA & other foreign universities how they have maintained an excellent standard of their cirriculam. A comparison between our course to be devised under the NEP policy and the syallubus of the reputed universities could provide us a better formulation of the structure of the different courses.
    In our set up, both the central universities and the private ones must adhere to the curriculum being uniform relating to the content of each subject.
    The distance education universities such as Indira Gandhi Open University, Lovely Professional University, Manipal University of Distance education etc should follow the same system.
    I hope UGC will revise the course content to make the syllabus uniform in the upcoming biannual examination system to benefit the students.

  • #780313

    Points:5
    There are many private institutions in India. Some of them have good infrastructure and facilities. Many companies go to those institutions for recruitment. Such colleges are in demand and if they start this new system of admissions twice a year. more students will benefit. At the same time, there are many colleges which do not have minimum facilities also and such colleges will get closed down. We need not think of protecting such colleges at the cost of more seats in reputed colleges. So colleges can go for biannual admissions. I feel.
    Coming to the point of the syllabus, this is something different and in no way connected to this admissions procedure. It is a good suggestion from Seo Shankar Jha and it is better if UGC recommends a uniform syllabus across all the institutions. Biannual admissions and uniform syllabus are two separate issues.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780318

    Points:4
    What I emphasize is that the faculties irrespective of the instructions/ universities in our setup should be student-friendly in terms of coaching so that they achieve a strong foundation in the courses they have applied. There is a wide variance between the way of teaching of the faculties of the central universities and the privately managed universities. This is because of the fact the performance of such faculties is continuously monitored and evaluated whereas there is no appraisal of such an attribute for the professor/ faculty in the government-managed university.
    This aspect is important in view of strengthening the knowledge of the students.

  • #780319

    Points:4
    We have a large number of educational institutions in our country and there is no problem of admission for the good students. Only thing is there is a big rush for the top institutions while average institutions are running with less number of students against their good capacities.
    So adopting this system is going to get some relief to the students who are at the boundary of admission cut-offs.
    How institutions are going to manage two sessions in parallel in a financially viable manner is also to be seen. Ultimately the private institutions have the main aim of earning through their courses and would not choose the new system if that objective is not met.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #780321

      

    Points:5
    In a populous country like India, more academic sessions will definitely result in more admissions to colleges and universities and students who want to pursue higher education, will also be equally benefitted. While the students will benefit academically, will they get the benefit in the job market too? We have discussed many aspects related to the intake capacity in colleges/universities, faculties, syllabi, etc. but we must think of the results also. After obtaining a degree, a student looks for a job and with two academic sessions in a year, the number of pass-outs per year will undoubtedly increase. With increasing unemployment everywhere do we have enough jobs for the students? Now, if a large chunk of students prefer to pursue higher education in foreign countries because of the facilities they will enjoy after the implementation of biannual admissions, Indian universities will not benefit. If many of them wish to settle abroad then also our country will not be benefitted.

    My views may be pessimistic but if we are unable to create enough job opportunities for the students when they pass out in large numbers because of the two academic sessions the ultimate goal will never be achieved even if the students benefit academically.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

  • #780323

      

    Points:5
    When we are discussing the academic sessions we must discuss it fully including what happens after the completion of academic sessions, more specifically what will happen to the students when they complete their education.

    Based on the reports after carefully studying various campuses and students, it was published in 2023 that around 45% of the graduates seeking employment in organizations are actually employable. The goal of any student and their parents is to have a good job with a decent payment package. If the palpable situation of employability of graduates is an indication then increasing the number of academic sessions will be of no use until there is an upgrade in the curriculum and of course the process of evaluation. While the recommendation of the University Grants Commission is based on the practices followed worldwide, the curriculum is not updated periodically to suit the demands of the industry. Not only the curriculum but also the evaluation process plays a major role. The teaching process and evaluation in eminent institutes are quite different and their numbers are limited in terms of the students admitted in any academic session throughout our country. The all-round updation in the standard of education must be there and then only it will benefit the students. The thrust must be on courses and curricula that will help the students to get jobs. More specifically, how things work in industries rather than studying volumes only to pass the examinations. Unless it is there, following others to increase the number of academic sessions per year will not be of help.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

  • #780325

    Points:5
    So far we have been discussing the feasibility of biannual admission in our setup. We want to explore how far it is justifiable for our students to avail the opportunity of biannual admission in case it is introduced by the UGC under the policy of NEP 2020.
    I agree with Sankalan Sir that the intake of admission must be based on the employment generation. However, this cannot be achieved unless the Ministry of Education and our Government sit together to chalk out the ways how there could be significant employment generation to our students after availing the best curriculum.
    We can make our students competent enough but cannot go ahead for the maximum absorption of the talented youths if a serious study is not done why the vacancies are not filled up for a long period despite its urgent requirement.
    I have worked in the steel industry and have experienced the staff - shortage in the different units. The workers were allowed multiple jobs very often to meet the target.
    This can be sorted out if the Ministry of Labour of the Central Government lends its support to sort out this issue amicably.

  • #780330

    Points:5
    While advocating the usefulness of the biannual admission, I have once quoted that there must be uniformity of the courses of the different institutions/universities so that the students taking up the different courses under the new umbrella would not face any difficulty during the student - exchange programme with a reputed foreign university.
    This needs to be examined with a serious look.
    It would prove to be a great boon for the students if such an opportunitymaterilises in due course.
    Laboratory - facilities for the subjects of Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Botany and other subjects needing such a facility must operate for an extended hour to facilitate their research appetite, if updating the equipments calls for addititional resources, this needs to be approved by the UGC.
    While undertaking the doctorate programme in the newly introduced system, guides should have the friendly approach with the researchers and should provide ample encouragement to expedite the research - programme of the candidates.

  • #780337

    Points:5
    I am not convinced by the argument that college seats should be based on available jobs. Education is a right for all and they can study whatever course they want. If there is no job for an uneducated youth, is it not a concern for us? These days we are seeing a lot of change in the mindset of the people. In my opinion, we should encourage youth to study higher studies so that they will get chances in other countries if not in India.
    Recently I went to Nagpur on some official work. The vehicle driver who came to the airport to pick me up is a graduate. He told me that he is doing an MBA. But at the weekends he will come to drive to earn for his expenses. Had he thought that why should I go for driving when I am doing a Master's degree, the story may be different?
    I say there should be a plan to create jobs for the youth in the country. If our country is not able to provide seats, students will go abroad and study there.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780338

    Points:5 (₹ 5)
    Many members have opined that this new measure would be in favour of students especially ones who were not able to get admission in the institution of their choice. But the question is how many of the good institutions would be able to increase their capacities using this scheme. Will the present faculty be able to take load of the new strength of the students or more teachers would be hired by the institution. The fee structure will remain same or will be jacked up by the college management. All these apprehensions would remain there till the scheme is being adopted by some institutions and results are observed.
    Prima facie it looks a better situation for the students.

    Some members have observed that when the existing capacities in some institutions are not utilised fully then what is the fun in going for additional ones. On that issue my thinking is that today we are in a competitive environment and those institutions which are not able to provide quality education would not be able to attract the students and eventually will close down. However on the other hand the reputed institutions will increase their capacities and get more enrolment and proper. So behind this move of UGC there is some business sense also promoting the good institutions.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #780339

    Points:5
    Coming to the quality and usefulness of education, definitely, it is a valid point and many times we have discussed this in many threads on this forum. There should be a change in the syllabus and the students coming out from the college should be ready to take up a job in the industry. New Education policy has already initiated the process of revision of the system and we may see good results in the coming days. Internships are a step towards linking industry and academia. Many professionals having experience in the industry are being invited to institutes to interact with the students and give them useful input. This process should go further and more interaction with industry should happen.
    Many students are not able to get seats in the colleges they want and the subjects they are interested in. These two sessions in a year will give more chances to students to study the subject they are interested in. As mentioned year these colleges can accommodate more staff both teaching and non-teaching staff also.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780345

    Points:5
    New education policy formulated under the present system can transform the entire business of educational institutes/universities. The private universities would behave more aggressively than the government-run institutions/ universities. The private universities would try to update every facility for the promotion of the wisdom of the students. We can see the changes in the following points undertaken by the private institutions/ universities -
    1) They would have a large library containg abundant books on each subject and would collect the reviews of the students regarding their choices. There would not be any delay in the new arrival of books provided it is a general demand of the students.
    2) The private universities might implement a system of reviewing the performance of the staff/ faculties through the feedback system collected from the students.
    3) The private institutions/ universities might hire experts of the different subjects from the renowned institutions including the expert faculties of the foreign universities. Such a system would provide benefits to both the private institutions/universities and the students. The former would be benefited in terms of revenue whereas the latter would acquire updated knowledge in the subjects they have opted for.
    4) The private institutions/universities would do brisk business because of their excellent rapport among the student community.
    5) The government universities have to change their strategies owing to the intense competition between the two bodies.
    In all the cases, it would be a win - win situation for the students.

  • #780347

    Points:5 (₹ 4)
    I agree with Sheo Shankar Jha. Private institutions will take advantage of the situation and will try to attract more students by creating world-class facilities on campus. But IITs and NITs can also think of going for this system. IITs are very well known for their standards and they can attract more people from abroad and can have an understanding with some standard institutes in other countries so that there can be exchange programmes.
    There are many deemed universities in the country where they will have a free hand to decide on the course structure and curriculum. They can try new combinations and courses with approval from UGC. For example these days there is a good demand for AI and ML. Such courses can be designed and can start biannual admissions in those subjects so that many students can join and will have good job prospects also. Institutes like BITS, IIITs etc will think of starting this process at least for some subjects which are having good demand.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780351

    Points:5
    Let us have stiff competition between the private and the government-managed institutions. This would pave the way for the betterment of both the institutions and the true benefits of such a completion should go in favour of the students.
    Government-managed institutions / universities are popular among students due to their low-cost- fee- structure. Introduction of the courses of MCA, MBA in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and M.Sc in Electronics are some of the examples which would suit the students of the low-income group. Though the fees in comparison to the private institutions/ universities of the government institutions would suit the middle income or low-income group of students, in terms of job - valuation, such degree would prove at par with the privately managed instructions/ universities under the new system.
    The healthy completion between the two bodies - privately managed & the government-managed universities would provide the real benefits to the students ultimately.
    The employers do drop for the campus - interview in both the institutions - privately managed or otherwise. Taking an admission in a low cost college should not create any frustration among the students of low-income group.
    As for example, a student of JNU Delhi securing first class in English can get an excellent job through the campus - placement because of the commendable performance of a candidate.

  • #780353

    Points:4
    Members have given varying opinions and observations on this new scheme of having admissions two times a year and creating two sessions going at the same time.
    One thing that is important in this matter is that there are some courses which have more potential from job point of view and many institutions would try to enroll more students by announcing admissions two times a year. If that succeeds then many qualified people would get teaching jobs in the institutions where such capacity enhancement is undertaken.
    So it is not only a beneficial situation for the students seeking admission in reputed institutions but also for the qualified persons trying to get teaching jobs in such institutions.
    I think this is a good step taken by UGC and we will be able to witness its results soon.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #780357

      

    Points:5
    I agree with Dr Rao @ 780337 that education is a right for everyone but is it applicable to higher education in any way? Anybody cannot go to a college/university to study a specific stream/subject saying it's her/his right unless the student has the required marks at the school level to secure admission. Of course, it's a concern for all if there is no job for the uneducated and at the same time, many educated youths are also jobless. The number of college seats and job creation may not match but they are somehow interrelated. It's good to see the youth pursuing an MBA and driving during the weekends and this is an indication that no job is menial.

    The NEP 2020 talked about revamping the overall education system and there must be a step-by-step approach. For example, it emphasises imparting education in local languages and it states that within a specific timeframe, in every district there should be higher educational institutions (HEIs) offering multidisciplinary education. It will take time to make the HEIs adequately equipped throughout the country and by that time, some experiments may be carried out to see the outputs but the generation of jobs cannot be ignored in any way if the number of pass-outs increases. The UGC has not made biannual admissions mandatory keeping in mind the infrastructure of the colleges/universities throughout the country and if it is not uniformly implemented how it is going to benefit a large section of students remains a question.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

  • #780358

    Points:5
    Sankalan Sir, your apprehensions are genuine that the newly formulated policy under the NEP 2020 scheme might not provide us with immediate results. To that extent, this explanation is agreeable to me. The introduction of a new formulation and its immediate result might not be noticeable immediately.
    However, the results will be seen in a couple of years for which I cannot provide you with the specific time frame at this juncture. It would all depend upon how the authorities concerned are taking steps in its implementation.
    I hope the outcomes will be positive in due course. We would like to have government institutions incorporating the biannual system more aggressively, They cannot remain silently in the competitive atmosphere since the private institutions would come up for effecting the biannual scheme more effectively. This would create pressure on the government body to take a proactive step at par with the private institutions.
    Starting phase is not bad either and we are sure to see a healthy completion between the government-run establishments and the private ones.

  • #780359

    Points:5 (₹ 4)
    This core idea of allowing a good change of bi annual admissions to the various courses run by Universities is an extremely good one. The UGC is also reportedly coming up with several reforms like a person dropping out after the first year with a Diploma, completing the second year to earn a PG Diploma and so on. While this idea is also very good, the point is that such products are very unlikely to be gainfully employed, as the Corporate companies do insist only a graduation degree as a basic qualification. However, if the PG Diploma can be used to get a basic degree and if the person gets a job, and is also enabled to do a one-year bridge course to earn a B.Com or BA degree (Honors) in a particular subject, either through private study or through online education, the real reform would have happened.

    Now, coming back to the twice in year admissions. Already, most colleges, including the Arts and Science Colleges, often admit the students only through an online process. This becomes far more easier in the branded colleges, where the process of computerization is even more better than in ordinary colleges.

    Hence, the process can be easily handled with existing infrastructure. The surrounding corporate companies can also release some CSR funds to finance a project of training local unemployed graduates and those perusing the third year of their degree course in the same college, but from economically poor families, to offer support in the computerized admissions in December or Jan every year.

    Firstly, the State Boards do take some time to release their results and since education is also a State subject, we need to respect the autonomy of States in this regard. Secondly, such students who get their certificates sometime in September ( just an example), need not fear, as they can start applying for college admissions in the next couple of months.

    Thirdly, when the degree results are not declared on time, it becomes very easy to enroll for the PG courses. The online admission for the Open University courses can be further modified to accommodate students at any time of the year, with the condition that they can take the next semester examination, with preparation on their own accord. However, once a student fails in only one paper, based on his or her performance in the core subjects for all the three years, he or she should be given provisional admission on the condition that the student passes the examination within six months.

    We need a whole range of reforms to make changes in the right direction. However, given the fact that the courses are themselves seeing a decline on the number of students enrolled in the traditional courses like BA(Sociology), or even BA(Economics), we need a massive change in the course content of each course, to reflect a comprehensive inclusion of all the latest developments to make the courses more contemporary.

    Hence, we need reforms in several aspects and not only in terms of the bi-annual admissions, as a single reform agenda. Let the best of academic and industry experts keep on breaking their heads to come out with a whole range of viable solutions to address every single issue of importance.

    Let us hope that the UGC takes the big route of many consultations at every level to bring about the best changes in the situation and in the years ahead. Reforms should be a complete package and not restricted to just one.

  • #780360

    Points:5
    Many members have mentioned it as a good step by UGC and is going to be beneficial for some of the students. Under the NEP regime many such changes would be there in our educational system and from the flexibility provided in the NEP it is expected that more reforms would be there.
    In my concluding comments I see it as a transitional phase where many such experiments would be carried out and if found useful would remain in practice. We must understand that now our educational system is dynamic in nature and we would have to remove the unwanted old and add the new useful elements to it to make it more sturdy and useful for the students for making a career.
    The present step seems to be feasible but whether it would be adopted by all the institutions would only be known once its initial use by some institutions show positive result.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #780362

    Points:5
    Sankalan, It is obvious that a student should have the required qualifications and should meet the admission criteria to get admitted to a course. But many students get good percentages but cannot get the seat in the required branch and college. My brother's son got just one rank less to get a seat at IIT. He went to NIT. If there were two times admissions in IIT he might have got a seat there. So at least some students will benefit.
    As mentioned by Sankalan in # 780357, all changes can't be made overnight. That is why UGC is not forcing this on all educational institutions immediately. The choice is given to them and institutes will definitely think and go ahead with feasible changes.
    There are many ways to get funds and no corporate institute will stop enhancing for want of funds. If more batches of students are admitted the existing facilities' utilisation will also increase and that will help to increase return on investment (ROI) and the loans taken by them can be easily repaid. So in my opinion many private institutions will come forward for this. I read somewhere that already some institutions expressed their interest in this.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780369

    Points:5
    At this stage, we may not predict exactly in what way there will be the implementation of the policies making the course structure more attractive and vibrant under the recent regime. I listed some of the points in my earlier postings which could influence the course - pattern in a significant way.
    Considering the large population of India. NEP 2020 system would be most suited to take care of the large volume of students with the provision of biannual admissions with minor adjustments of financial outlays of the private and government institutions.
    We have reputed distance open universities offering our students quality education in different subjects namely Indira Gandhi Open University, Manipal Distance Education, Karnataka Open University, Utkal Univesity and many more. We need to upgrade their course - structures to make the course more useful & practical.
    So far, the course - structure of IGNOU looks more attractive with the periodical revision of the course - structure to attract the aspirants.it contains a system of doubt removal sessions consisting of one month at the end of the session in each semester to make the students more confident of the courses they have undertaken at a very economical cost.
    Moreover, IGNOU provides the course - material to the students from their ends for better assimilation of the courses of each subject. All the courses of IGNOU are UGC recognised and run numerous courses for the benefits of the aspirants. It takes care of the aspirants doing their jobs in some organisations and are interested for pursuing a course of their requirements. The aspirants complete their courses in their leisure hours with the guidance & the course - material of IGNOU.
    Similar follow-up is required from other open universities for usefulness to the student - community.
    Moreover, experts from the different organisations including IT Sectors are to be invited to the different institutions comprising of both the government- funded instructions and the private ones. Such a trend will enhance their practical knowledge relating to the prevalent practices of the different organisations.
    Acquisition of skill - sets is another way of getting success in their service - careers.

  • #780377

    Points:5
    After going through all the points discussed so far, I strongly feel that this is a positive move and one should support this move.
    The reasons that favour this change are
    1. More students will have a chance to study the course and the subject they are interested in.
    2. The usage of resources available will enhance
    3. Students who are not successful in their year-end examination need not wait for one year to go for further studies.
    4. Some teaching staff posts and administrative staff posts will be created in the college which may address the unemployment problem to some extent.
    5. Whether jobs are there or not in the country we should encourage students to go for higher studies. This will help them in getting a job in other countries if not in India.
    6. The institutions may get higher returns on their investments by admitting more people.
    7. Tie-ups with foreign institutions will also increase.
    8. Chances of attracting foreign students will increase.
    9. In addition to this change if the institutes start addressing the curriculum issues and start associating with industry, we can see a bright future for more students in the coming years.
    10. As an initial measure some institutions already planning to start two-time admissions in some faculties where employment chances are higher.
    11. This change will create a win-win situation for both the parties involved that are students and institutions.
    With these remarks, I stop my discussions on this subject. I thank ISC for providing me with an opportunity to participate in a very useful Active GD.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #780382

    Points:5
    While writing the concluding part of the benefits of NEP 2020, it would revolutionise the way of learning of the students with the different useful courses at a very competitive fee- structure of the courses due to prevalence of healthy completion between the private institutions and the government - aided institutions.
    There are several courses in the distance education such as the IGNOU to learn foreign languages such as French, English, German, Mathematics, Applied Science, MCA and many others to enhance the proficiency of the aspirants at an affordable fee.
    The other advantages under the NEP 2020 System would allow the aspirants to choose the best institutions regardless the status of the institutions with a through feedback of the different parameters such as the competence of the faculties, rapport of the institutes and their other supporting facilities including the books/ journals of their requirements.
    The other plus points are as follows -
    1) Biannual admissions under NEP 2020 Scheme would not create an admission rush being observed seen currently in the different institutions.
    2) Fees of the different institutions will fall due to the prevalence of healthy completions between the private and the government-aided institutions.
    3) Distance Education Universities would offer several courses which would help the unemployment youths to start their own business such as the Business Management, Computer Programming and other value-added courses.
    4) With the updating the course - structures of the private and government - aided institutions, the candidates would not feel any stress if they are sent abroad under the student-exchange programs.
    5) More capable faculties would be joining in both the private and the government - institutions with their successful demonstrations in the interviews. This would be a plus point on the part of the students pursuing a course of their choices.
    6) Revenue generation would multiply to all the distinguished institutions.
    7) More courses would be included in the prominent institutions as per the demand of the interested aspirants.

  • #780385

    Points:5
    Members have put up a number of points in favour or against this step by UGC. I would like to conclude by mentioning that the main idea behind this stipulation is not only to facilitate some of the marginal students for getting admission in the reputed and good institutions but also to create a competitive environment between the different institutions which are tryin to attract more number of students to their campuses.
    Another important point is that with the technological advancements and progresses, some new courses are cropping up which are very attractive from job point of view and it is obvious that students will make a beeline for those courses. So, institutions will be proactive in that matter by providing it to more number of students quickly. Further it would require the qualified faculty for the same and some of the meritorious students will have a good chance to claim that as junior lecturers.
    So this single but important step by UGC is going to bring sea changes in some of the aspects in educational sector and we will know the exact outcome in coming times.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #780387

      

    Points:5
    While I agree that it is too early to predict the outcome of biannual admissions, UGC must think of improving the quality of education at all the universities/colleges before going for the biannual admission process. I would like to cite one example by stating the situation mentioned by Dr Rao in his response @ #780362. He mentioned fewer marks scored by his relative because of which an admission couldn't be secured in IIT but in NIT. Now why IIT is preferred over NIT? Obviously, because of the quality of education. Since this guideline of UGC regarding biannual admission is not mandatory this will not be implemented everywhere and students willing to secure admission to eminent institutes have to satisfy themselves by joining lesser-known universities if the preferred institute of eminence doesn't admit students biannually as with the case of the relative of Dr Rao.

    Just starting the admission process without an upgrade in the infrastructure will be of little use. I have already mentioned in one of my earlier responses regarding the employability of the graduates. If the required infrastructure and faculty are not up to the mark then just to get more students and to stay in competition, as Sheo Shankar Jha has mentioned in some of his responses, if more private institutes opt for this biannual admission the intake will definitely increase but are those pass outs will be more employable? The employability of those graduates will surely come down in such a scenario.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

  • #780388

      

    Points:5
    Members have discussed various aspects of the topic and now it's my time to wrap it up. The purpose of education must be to impart knowledge to improve the overall quality of life. It is not necessary to choose a job after completing education as various options open up during different phases of the journey. What we see among students and parents must be addressed properly rather than complicate the situation, which I feel is imminent if biannual admission is implemented non-uniformly. Students and parents are crazy for marks and admission to renowned colleges/universities and those who can afford are willing to pay a hefty sum even if their daughter/son is not capable enough for a course. This attitude must change and education has a big role here. Just modifying the mode of admission will not improve the scenario.

    Why I feel biannual admission is not feasible at this juncture is summarized below.

    1. While competition is good and healthy, it must be kept in mind that education is not a business. If private universities go on implementing biannual admission and arrange funds for it there is no guarantee that their quality of teaching would also improve. UGC must ensure that there is a universal standard of education maintained everywhere.
    2. As per the proposal in NEP 2020, rote learning and exam-oriented learning must be reduced and the emphasis should be on concept-based learning models. First, that has to be implemented everywhere.
    3. With the changing scenario, the use of technology has increased everywhere and many new learning opportunities are coming up. To tap this, there must be a multidisciplinary approach at undergraduate/postgraduate levels by incorporating new courses. Unless new courses are there biannual admission to the same old course structures will be of no use.
    4. With biannual admission, the number of faculties has to be increased and new faculties should be capable enough to teach the subject. Teaching is not just a job and quite different and requires the passion to teach. Just passing an exam is not enough for a teacher willing to teach and there must be proper guidelines and a selection process so that the students benefit.
    5. Unless the quality of education at all the universities/colleges is improved the quality of students will not improve and their employability will decrease further. Even if fresh graduates start new ventures then also they require some basic training which must be imparted at undergraduate/school levels and they should not go to other institutes to learn entrepreneurship. This improvement is of more importance than any other thing.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"


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