Enhanced knowledge in Vedas and Puranas can now lead students to score extra credit in their education career. According to the final report of new National Credit Framework (NCrF) released by the University Grants Commission, students with expertise in various aspects of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), including Puranas and Vedas can fetch credit points. The framework’s rules will now be adopted in all higher education institutions across the country.
The document sets forth 18 major Vidyas, or theoretical disciplines, and 64 kalas, or applied sciences or practical disciplines and crafts, which can be used to earn credits in school. According to the NCrF, knowledge of the 18 Vidyas including four Vedas, the four subsidiary Vedas (Ayurveda–medicine, Dhanurveda – weaponry, Gandharveda-music, and Silpa – architecture), Purana, Nayaya, Mimansa, Dharmashastra, Vedanga, the six auxiliary sciences, phonetic, grammar, astronomy, ritual, and philosophy can be considered for creditization.
Special expertise in Indian Knowledge System
As per the newly released document by the UGC, “special expertise in Indian Knowledge System” is included as one of the six areas in which students who excel at the national and international levels can earn credits. The other areas include games and sports, performing arts, handicrafts, social service, and extraordinary achievement in innovation. UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar informed that the IKS option will now be offered as a part of school education.
According to the draft NCrF, credits are essentially a “recognition that a learner has completed a prior course of learning, corresponding to a qualification at a given level”. In accordance with the emphasis made in the document, credits are meant to be given based on pre-defined learning objectives and standards for exceptional accomplishments. The framework incorporates credits gained through formal schooling, postsecondary education, and training in trades and skills. It will include credits from Class 5 to the Ph.D. level that was assigned based on learning hours. In the new system, 1 credit equals 30 hours of total study time, which includes each subject worth 8 credits. The requirement for issuing a diploma, degree, or certificate under the UGC’s Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) is indicated in terms of the number of credits to be gained by the students.
Vedas and Upanishads are said to be among the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are regarded to be the treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge. The term ‘Veda’ implies knowledge, which is the underlying concept of humanity’s existence. In one of his addresses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about the significance of these scriptures and said in today’s age of texts and tweets, the importance of familiarising the young generation with the knowledge preserved in the Upanishads and the Vedas is critical, and the youth should not become disconnected from the wisdom of the ancient scriptures.
About National Credit Framework (NCrF)
NCrF report was first released last year in 2022. It is a comprehensive framework that encompasses elementary, secondary, higher, and vocational education and training, integrating learning across all dimensions, including academics, vocational skills, and experiential learning, as well as relevant experience and professional levels achieved. It is built on an integrating strategy across education and skilling frameworks, allowing the education and skilling ecosystem to deploy a single credit-based framework that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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