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UGC directs universities to recognise newly added subjects for admission

April 30, 2014, 12:44 pm

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities to take appropriate steps to recognize 13 new subjects introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) at Stds XI and XII level for admissions to undergraduate courses.

"The CBSE has introduced various academic subjects at the senior secondary level. It is imperative that these subjects find a reflection in the subjects already being offered at the graduate level in various educational institutes," UGC deputy secretary Shakeel Ahmed stated in a letter sent to vice-chancellors of all universities on April 22.

Ahmed added, "It is important that appropriate consideration may be accorded while admitting students to the undergraduate courses at the college/university level."

A senior official at the University of Pune said, "The UGC’s letter will be put up for consideration before the appropriate bodies, including the academic council, for a decision regarding implementation."

Sadhana Parashar, director of CBSE’s academics, research and innovation wing, had earlier written to the UGC secretary that the 13 new subjects have been introduced as elective/optional subjects at the senior secondary level (Stds XI and XII).

"The scheme of studies for these new subjects is rigorous in nature and designed specially with the industry and employability avenues in mind," Parashar stated. For instance, the subjects can provide avenues in the legal profession, mass media, entrepreneurship, graphic design, creative writing and translation, theatre studies and biotechnology, among others.

While some of these subjects were introduced two to three years ago, others have been introduced at the Std XI level this year and will be a part of the Std XII board exam for the first time in 2015.

Parashar had stressed the need for these subjects to find a reflection in the courses offered at the undergraduate level in various departments, colleges, institutes and universities.

"This may be brought to the notice of all concerned institutes so that students face no difficulty when they pass out from Std XII. The information brochures, prospectuses, websites or any other form of communication may accommodate the names of these new academic subjects, so that students may be treated as eligible for admission to higher education as per their preferences," she stated.

The Subjects

* Knowledge tradition and practices of India

* Legal studies

* Human rights and gender studies

* National Cadet Corps

* Heritage crafts

* Graphic design

* Creative writing and translation studies

* Functional English

* Entrepreneurship

* Biotechnology

* Fashion Studies

* Mass media studies

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