In a move with significant potential to bring positive change to India’s massive ‘blue-collar’ workforce, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled comprehensive draft guidelines for implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in higher education. This pioneering framework recognizes diverse ways individuals acquire knowledge and skills—through formal education, work experience, or personal projects—and converts these competencies into academic credits. The initiative aims to democratize education, offering pathways for non-traditional learners to access higher education and enhance employability. The draft guidelines have been made public for feedback.
As per data, it is estimated that close to 300 million workers (excluding agricultural workers) are in this work force category.
Official sources said that RPL, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of bridging the gap between skill and employment, aims to provide structured mechanisms for evaluating prior learning enabling skilled individuals without formal qualifications to gain recognition and advance academically or professionally.
Speaking to the Sunday Guardian, M. Jagadesh Kumar Chairperson of the University Grants Commission said that it was very vital to address the challenges faced by India’s large informal workforce, which requires formal education and career progression opportunities.
“Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is integral to the vision of The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL allows individuals to gain formal recognition for skills and competencies acquired through informal, non-formal, or experiential learning. Through RPL, such individuals can access higher education, earn formal qualifications, and improve their employability,” Kumar said.
“The National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports RPL by facilitating the creditization of all learning forms—academic, vocational, and experiential. To enable individuals to convert their skills into qualifications, RPL helps bridge the gap between real-world experience and formal education and enhance career prospects. RPL contributes to economic growth, social inclusion, and a more skilled workforce. In its meeting on 14th November 2024, the commission approved the draft guidelines for implementing RPL by specifying several mechanisms. The guidelines also emphasize robust governance, quality assurance, and collaboration among policymakers, educational institutions, employers, and assessment bodies to ensure fairness, consistency, and inclusivity while implementing RPL. This UGC’s initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s goal of promoting a holistic and equitable education system,” he added.
The 200 plus pages draft copy, accessed by the Sunday Guardian, highlights several key objectives: fostering lifelong learning, promoting equity and inclusivity, and aligning education with industry requirements.
It also details assessment methods, eligibility criteria, and credit assignment processes. For instance, learners may earn credits via portfolios, standardized tests, or practical demonstrations. These credits can expedite degree completion or fulfill prerequisites for advanced study.
Globally, countries like Australia, South Africa, and Ireland have embraced RPL to enhance workforce mobility and educational accessibility.
The guidelines also introduce digital tools for streamlined assessments and governance measures to ensure quality and transparency.