THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Across the country, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is now emulating the Kerala model of providing degrees in two and a half years (5 semesters) and honours in three and a half years (7 semesters) for talented students. A two-and-a-half-year degree will be recognized as a regular degree.

In one semester, 23 credits are required to be studied in college. A maximum of 28 credits can be earned. The five credits are to be earned by passing online courses in the respective subject. 5 additional credits earned each semester will be deposited into the Academic Bank of Credit. At the end of the 5th semester, a student can skip the 6th semester and graduate with this credit.

Choosing any random online course won't bring extra credit. Universities have published the list of quality online courses by the central government, UGC, MHRD, IITs and foreign universities. Students should take up the course from the aforementioned list. Students can also study courses on UGC-approved portals like MOOC and Swayam. The government has directed the universities to recognize the credit earned in these courses.

After joining the degree course, the credits earned through online courses studied from anywhere in the world can also be used to complete the degree course.

Advantages:

• Value-added and skill development courses instead of spending time on the final semester.

• High chances of employment

• Students can join for higher studies as the course will end up in just two and half years.