Government proposes National Higher Education Qualification Framework to address the issue of compatibility

Updated on: Saturday, October 27, 2012

The government has proposed a National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) to address the issue of compatibility and seamless recognition of qualification across all higher education institutions.

With the present system being unique to the country with range of complexities and divergences across levels, the framework would seek to provide a comprehensive definition of a single system of levels for all qualifications offered by a variety of higher educational institutions across discipline.

The proposal, to be taken up at the Central Advisory Board on Education (CABE) meet on November 1, will in effect seek to provide a standardised framework in terms of minimum entry qualification, programme durations, teaching-learning processes and learning outcome, HRD Ministry officials said.

The aim, they said, would be universal acceptability, recognition and equivalence of not only the degrees but also the qualifications.

For example, at present many universities/institutions find it difficult to determine equivalence and recognition of qualification earned by students from other universities, let alone find acceptability in other countries.

Currently, there are over 600 university level institutions and more than 36,000 colleges in the country.

CABE, an apex body on education, would also discuss extension of Right To Education to pre-school and secondary education.

Sub-committees set up under CABE are of the view that a "staggered and differentiated approach is proposed to be adopted" taking into consideration the financial implications for its implementation and differential development of secondary education in states.

Government proposes National Higher Education Qualification Framework to address the issue of compatibility

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