Last update:December 13, 2024, 4:22 p.m. IST

RPL aims to help individuals formalize their existing skills, increase access to higher education and improve their employability.

RPL bridges the gap between informal and formal education. (Representative image)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday presented draft guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), an important part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL helps recognize knowledge, skills and the abilities that people have acquired outside of formal settings. education. It allows individuals to transform their experience into formal credits, facilitating their integration into the formal education system.

Employers around the world are focusing more on skills than formal degrees. This change shows that practical skills and knowledge are increasingly valued.

What is RPL?

To access higher education, students usually need a certificate after completing grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Likewise, each education or training program has specific entry requirements. RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) helps people who do not have formal qualifications but have gained valuable experience.

For example, an artist with years of experience may have difficulty getting into top art schools. Through RPL, they can earn credit for their previous work, which can allow them to enter higher education and even complete their degree faster.

RPL recognizes that learning occurs in many ways, not just through formal education. It evaluates a person’s skills and experiences, whether acquired at school, at work, in volunteer activities, in personal projects or in life experiences. By recognizing skills learned outside of traditional education, RPL helps connect real-world experience to formal education, particularly for people who do not have formal qualifications but possess knowledge and skills precious.

Speaking to News18.comMamidala Jagadesh Kumar, President of the UGC, said: “We must address the challenges facing India’s large informal workforce, which needs formal education and advancement opportunities. career. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is key to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL helps individuals gain formal recognition of the skills and knowledge they have acquired through informal or non-formal. This allows them to access higher education, obtain formal qualifications and improve their chances of getting better jobs. »

“The National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports the RPL by providing credit for all types of learning: academic, vocational and experiential. RPL bridges the gap between real-world experience and formal education, helping people turn their skills into recognized qualifications, which can improve their career opportunities,” he added.

How will the RPL work?

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) will be managed by centers in higher education institutions (HEIs), government-approved assessment bodies and industry groups. These centers will guide applicants, evaluate their evidence and manage credit transfers.

Applicants will submit evidence of their prior learning, such as work samples, project reports or certificates. Trained assessors from education, industry and regulators will assess the evidence to ensure it meets the required standards. If approved, credits will be awarded and stored in the Academic Credit Bank (ABC), a digital system where learners can accumulate and use these credits to obtain formal qualifications such as degrees or certifications.

Benefits for students

RPL allows students to earn credit for what they already know, reducing the time and costs needed to complete a degree. They can present their ABC file when applying for admission, thus proving their eligibility and reducing the study load. Some universities may offer flexible admissions options to RPL applicants, allowing them to advance to advanced levels of a program or skip introductory courses.

For example, a student with programming experience can use RPL to access an advanced computer science program and skip core courses. Similarly, someone trained in sustainable agriculture can use RPL to join an agricultural science program. Students without traditional qualifications, such as a high school certificate, can use their RPL credits to demonstrate equivalent skills and gain admission.

Benefits for professionals

RPL helps professionals transform their work experience into formal qualifications, improving opportunities for career advancement. They can earn academic credit for their skills without repeating work they have already done. This is useful for those looking to change careers, gain promotions or gain qualifications in the industry.

For example, a marketing manager without a degree could use RPL to earn credits toward a business management degree, improving their chances of advancing to management positions. Professionals can also use their ABC credits for performance reviews, promotions, or to meet certification requirements. For those who wish to continue their education, RPL can help them move directly into higher level programs, skip foundation courses and obtain their qualifications faster and more cost-effectively.

How RPL Works for Formal and Informal Learning

Formal learning

Formal learning takes place in structured settings such as colleges, universities and accredited institutions. This leads to official certificates, diplomas and licenses. Examples include:

Academic diplomas and certificates: Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Professional licenses and certifications: Qualifications required for specific professions.

Corporate training programs: Employer-led courses that improve job-related skills.

Continuing education programs: Courses that help people update or learn new skills.

Standardized exams: Tests like entrance exams or job competitions.

Example: Asha’s journey to a bachelor’s degree in nursing

Asha, a nurse with a diploma in general nursing, wants to progress to a bachelor’s degree in nursing through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Here’s how to do it:

Submission: Asha provides details of her degree, transcripts and work experience.

Assessment: An assessment body compares its GNM training with the B.Sc program.

Ratings: Asha takes written and practical tests to prove her nursing skills.

Credit allocation: Based on her assessments, she receives credits for her previous learning.

Exemption: Asha is exempt from certain subjects, which allows her to graduate more quickly.

Informal learning

Informal learning occurs outside of formal education contexts and does not result in formal certificates. It includes:

Professional experience: Skills acquired through professional activities.

Volunteering: Unpaid work experience.

Self-taught skills: Knowledge learned independently.

Hobbies and personal projects: Skills derived from personal interests.

Mentoring and coaching: Learn from experienced mentors.

Clubs and groups: Skills acquired through social activities.

Example: Suresh’s journey to an MBA

Suresh, an entrepreneur, wants to use RPL to pursue an MBA. Here is his process:

Portfolio preparation: Suresh compiles his business files and self-study materials.

Assessment: An RPL organization looks back on its experience and compares it to MBA concepts.

Interviews and case studies: Suresh discusses his business experience and presents case studies.

Credit allocation: Based on his experience, he gets credits for core MBA subjects.

Exemption: Suresh skips some subjects in MBA, thereby speeding up his degree process.