Choice Based Credit System in Higher Education: An Overview
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Choice Based Credit System in Higher Education: An Overview
Choice-based credit system (CBCS) was introduced in India by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2015 as a part of its reforms to Indian higher education. It is a student-centric, outcome-based system that allows individual universities to develop their own academic programs based on a subject-agnostic credit system. This system upholds three core values of flexi-structure, academic integrity and mobility.
What is CBCS?
Choice-based Credit System (CBCS) is a credit system which allows students to pursue any subject from any stream in their chosen field of study. Under this system, a student is assessed on the basis of her learning outcomes and the number of credits earned. Each credit represents the equivalent of ten hours of study materials and other classroom work during a semester.
Advantages of CBCS
1. Flexibility
The CBCS offers a great deal of flexibility to students in academia. It allows them to choose their program of study, course module, elective courses and specialization. This not only allows them to build a degree program that best suits their needs and interests, but also offers them an opportunity to customize their learning. Students are no longer required to follow a fixed syllabus or course structure, but are free to explore different areas of their chosen field.
2. Academic Integrity
The CBCS helps to ensure academic integrity in higher education. This means that students no longer have to resort to unfair means, such as plagiarism or cheating, to get ahead in academics. With the CBCS, students are assessed on their learning outcomes rather than on a rote-based knowledge system. This encourages students to learn the material and develop their skills.
3. Mobility
The CBCS allows students to move freely between universities by transferring their credit points. This facilitates learning from multiple universities and ensures that students are not limited by any geographical boundaries.
4. Cost-effectiveness
The CBCS has made higher education more accessible to students. It has minimized the cost associated with studying a course as students can now transfer credits from one university to another. This system also encourages students to make limited investments in courses that are of interest to them.
Future Possibilities
With the implementation of a Choice-Based Credit System, the scope for student development in higher education has widened. The CBCS provides students with an opportunity to learn more, get ahead in their field and reach their academic goals. The future potential of CBCS in India is immense and could potentially increase access, quality and relevance in higher education.
In conclusion, the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) has revolutionized the way higher education is pursued in India. It has given students a great deal of flexibility in terms of course customization, academic integrity and mobility. Thus, it has opened new avenues for students to pursue their chosen field of study and develop their skills.
