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RPL aims to help individuals formalize their existing skills, increase access to higher education and enhance employability.
RPL bridges the gap between informal and formal education. (representative image)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday introduced draft guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), an important part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL helps to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired by people outside the formal. Education. It allows individuals to convert their experience into formal credit, making it easier for them to join the formal education system.
Around the world, employers are focusing more on skills than formal degrees. This change shows that practical abilities and knowledge are being given more importance.
What is RPL?
To enter higher education, students usually require a certificate after completing class 12 or an equivalent qualification. Similarly, 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 struggle to gain admission into top art schools. Through RPL, they can receive credit for their previous work, allowing them to enter higher education and even complete their degrees faster.
RPL recognizes that learning occurs in many ways, not just through formal education. It evaluates a person’s skills and experiences, whether gained through school, work, volunteer activities, personal projects, or life experiences. By recognizing skills learned outside of traditional education, RPL helps to link real-world experience to formal education, especially for those who do not have formal qualifications but have valuable knowledge and skills.
Talking to AyraNews24x7.comUGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said, “We need to address the challenges faced by India’s large informal workforce, which needs formal education and career development opportunities. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is key to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL helps individuals gain formal recognition for skills and knowledge learned through informal or non-formal methods. This allows them to improve their chances of achieving higher education, earning formal qualifications and getting better jobs.”
“The National Credit Framework (NCRF) supports RPL by making it possible to award 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 that can improve their career opportunities.”
How will RPL work?
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) will be managed by centers of higher education institutions (HEIs), government approved assessment bodies and industry groups. These centers will guide applicants, evaluate their evidence and handle credit transfers.
Applicants will submit evidence of their prior education, such as work samples, project reports, or certificates. Trained assessors from academia, industry and regulatory bodies will evaluate the evidence to ensure that it meets the required standards. If approved, credits will be awarded and stored in the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC), which is a digital system where learners can accumulate these credits and use them towards formal qualifications such as degrees or certification.
benefits for students
RPL allows students to receive credit for what they already know, reducing the time and cost required to complete a degree. They can submit their ABC records to prove their eligibility and reduce study load while applying for admission. Some universities may offer flexible entry options for RPL applicants, allowing them to enter advanced levels of a program or skip preparatory courses.
For example, a student with programming experience can use RPL to enter an advanced computer science program and skip basic courses. Similarly, someone trained in sustainable farming 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 to convert their work experience into a formal qualification, improving opportunities for career progression. They can earn academic credit for their skills without repeating work they’ve already done. This is useful for people who want to change careers, get a promotion, or complete industry qualifications.
For example, a marketing manager without a degree can use RPL to gain credits toward a business management degree, improving their prospects for leadership roles. Professionals can also use their ABC credits to meet performance reviews, promotions, or certification requirements. For those who want to continue their education, RPL can help them gain direct entry into higher-level programmes, skip basic courses and complete their qualifications faster and at a lower cost.
How RPL works for formal and informal education
formal education
Formal education takes place in structured settings such as colleges, universities, and accredited institutions. It leads to official certifications, degrees, and licenses. Examples include:
Academic Degrees and Certificates: Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees.
Professional Licenses and Certifications: Qualifications required for specific professions.
Corporate Training Programme: Employer-led courses that improve job-related skills.
Continuing Education Programme: Courses that help people update or acquire new skills.
Standardized Tests: Tests like entrance exams or competitive exams for jobs.
Example: Asha’s journey towards B.Sc Nursing degree
Asha, a nurse with a Diploma in General Nursing, wants to upgrade to BSc in Nursing using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This way:
submit: ASHA provides her diploma, transcript and work experience details.
assessment: An evaluation body has compared her GNM education with B.Sc course.
assessment: Asha takes written and practical tests to prove her nursing skills.
Credit Award: Based on his assessment, he gets credit for previous learning.
Discount: Asha has been exempted from some subjects, which will enable her to complete her degree faster.
informal education
Informal learning occurs outside of formal education settings and does not result in a formal certificate. These include:
Work Experience: Skills acquired through professional activities.
self service: Experience from unpaid work.
Self-taught Skills: Knowledge is learned independently.
Hobbies and Personal Projects: Skills from personal interests.
Mentorship and Coaching: Learning from experienced gurus.
Clubs and Groups: Skills acquired through social activities.
Example: Suresh’s journey to MBA
Suresh, an entrepreneur, wants to use RPL to pursue MBA. Here is his process:
Portfolio Preparation: Suresh compiles his business records and self-study material.
assessment: The RPL body reviews their experience and compares it with MBA concepts.
Interviews and Case Studies: Suresh discusses his professional experience and presents case studies.
Credit Award: Based on his experience, he earns credits for core MBA subjects.
Discount: Suresh skipped some subjects in MBA, thereby speeding up his degree process.
Specifically, a student can earn up to 30% of the credits required for a degree program through RPL. UGC plans to implement RPL for university admissions and job placements by 2026.
