New Delhi, Dec 10 : University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday released a 'Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education' which will provide access to higher education and enable individuals who have acquired competencies through non-formal and informal learning methods to access higher education programs.

The UGC said that the guidelines create diverse and flexible pathways for individuals with various educational backgrounds and learning experiences to access higher education based on their demonstrated competencies.

The guidelines have also been made public for further feedback.

UGC Chairman, M. Jagadesh Kumar told IANS: "We must address the challenges faced by India's large informal workforce, which requires formal education and career progression opportunities. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is integral to the vision of The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL allows individuals to gain formal recognition for skills and competencies acquired through informal, non-formal, or experiential learning. Through RPL, such individuals can access higher education, earn formal qualifications, and improve their employability. The National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports RPL by facilitating the creditisation of all learning forms'academic, vocational, and experiential.'

Kumar said to enable individuals to convert their skills into qualifications, RPL helps bridge the gap between real-world experience and formal education and enhance career prospects.

He added that the RPL contributes to economic growth, social inclusion, and a more skilled workforce. In its meeting on 14th November 2024, the commission approved the draft guidelines for implementing RPL by specifying several mechanisms.

'The guidelines also emphasise robust governance, quality assurance, and collaboration among policymakers, educational institutions, employers, and assessment bodies to ensure fairness, consistency, and inclusivity while implementing RPL. This UGC's initiative aligns with NEP 2020's goal of promoting a holistic and equitable education system,' Kumar added.

He said that this initiative will promote a culture of continuous learning to equip

individuals with the updated skills and knowledge necessary to meet evolving career demands. It will also Encourage Lifelong Learning. Support lifelong learning to develop a competent and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing labour market.

Kumar said that UGC believes that it will acknowledge and value experiential learning to offer marginalised groups the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications and improve their socio-economic status.

'Assist in transitioning the workforce from informal work settings to the formal sector by recognising and validating their skills and knowledge. The guidelines are meant to promote social inclusion and equity for disadvantaged groups by recognising experiential learning and providing opportunities to obtain qualifications,' Kumar said.

He added that it will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in certain sectors by employing qualified individuals. It also meets specific industry or sectoral requirements by recognising prior learning, thereby enhancing employability and ensuring that individuals can effectively contribute and meet regulatory standards.

The initiatives also validate and certify skills acquired through practical experience, thereby improving job prospects and career advancement opportunities, and making individuals more attractive to employers.

Kumar said that in this context, the guidelines provide broad guidelines and a structured framework that will govern the design and implementation of RPL processes in the Indian context.

'These guidelines serve several key purposes, including establishing consistent procedures for assessing and recognizing prior learning across different institutions and programs. This ensures equitable recognition of RPL and guarantees that assessments are conducted impartially, transparently, and consistently, regardless of an individual's background or situation,' he said.

Kumar said that implementing governance mechanisms and standards to maintain the credibility and reliability of RPL assessments.

'These mechanisms ensure that assessors are qualified and competent, that assessment methods are valid and reliable, and that outcomes are trustworthy and dependable,' Kumar added.

/IANS