Open universities to integrate with Academic Bank of Credits, implement credit framework under new national framework

The fifth All India Public Open University Vice Chancellors’ Round Table Conference hosted by the Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SGOU), which concluded here on Wednesday, resolved to implement a harmonised model credit framework among open universities.

The proposed framework will standardise credit definitions, workload norms, equivalence mapping protocols and permissible transfer limits across institutions. Integration with the Academic Bank of Credits will also be completed across all member universities affiliated to the Indian Association of Public Open Universities (IAPOU) within a year. A National Open Universities Credit Portal will also be launched within a year to enable digital application processing, real-time tracking and transparent learner-centric grievance redressal.

IAPOU targets bringing at least 25% of eligible programmes across member universities under the ambit of credit transfer within the first phase of implementation, and progressively expanding to 50% within three years.

The association will be restructured into a policy-driven national consortium. Thematic verticals will be constituted in six domains including credit modibility and academic integration, digital convergence and technology innovation, and skill integration and industry partnerships.

A national repository of peer-reviewed self-learning materials and open educational resources will be initiated, aiming to reduce duplication of content development by at least 40% over three years.

Faculty empowerment and research collaboration will also be accorded high priority. An Inter-University Faculty Exchange Scheme will be operationalised within one year, alongside the launch of a biennial Open University Research and Innovation Summit.

Within three months, a Digital Interoperability Blueprint will be drafted outlining standards for interoperable learning management systems, federated digital repositories, AI-enabled learner analytics, secure remote assessment platforms, and blockchain-based credential verification. Pilot digital clusters involving at least four to five universities will commence within twelve months.

SGOU Vice Chancellor (V-C) Jagathy Raj V.P. delivered the valedictory address. National Assessment and Accreditation Council Director Ganesh Kannabiran, Ministry of Higher Education Additional Secretary Anandrao V. Patil, Commonwealth of Learning CEO Peter Scott, Indira Gandhi National Open University V-C Uma Kanjilal, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University V-C Ghanta Chakrapani were among those who participated in the conference.