Hyderabad: The University Grants Commission‘s (UGC) new framework for undergraduate programmes which assigns over 20 credits to skill-based and value-added courses, has found support among managements and students in Telangana. As per the new arrangement, these credits will be allotted to courses such as AI tools and technologies, cybersecurity, and soft skills. The new rule will kick in from the 2025-26 academic year.According to officials of the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE), the move will help in alleviating academic pressure on students. The TGCHE which recently met with vice chancellors of state universities has decided to reduce the number of credits from 150 to 142.“In tune with UGC, we are reducing the number of credits for a degree course. We will have 30 credits each for two majors, 40 credits for languages, and 20 for minor subjects. The rest will be allotted to skill-based and value-added courses,” V Balakista Reddy told TOI.He said these changes will not just reduce academic pressure but also enhance practical knowledge of students. Managements said it is refreshing to see more weightage being given to practical education. “Until now, there were no credits allotted to skill-based and value-added courses. It is good to see the higher education council pushing for more practical education,” said Y Ramakrishna, secretary, Telangana Degree College Managements Association. He, however, pointed out that there is a need to revise the syllabus as well.“Right now, the syllabus is vast for degree courses. It needs to be reduced first so that students are not overburdened in a semester,” he added. Even students looking at joining degree courses said that learning emerging tech courses along with their subject will give them an edge over others. “The main problem we face is lack of exposure to practical knowledge and the latest technology. If colleges here implement this, it will be beneficial for us,” said N Deepthi, who completed her intermediate.This year, a total of 3,71,096 courses are available in 457 courses across degree colleges in Telangana through Degree Online Services, Telangana (DOST). A total of 89,572 candidates registered for the first phase counselling, and 60,436 of them got a seat allotted.
