Taking note of the multiple entry and exit system in the academic career as cited in the National Education Policy, a Parliamentary panel has noted that Indian institutions are likely to face issues in implementation. While the panel observed that the system is carried effectively in western educational institutions, it noted that uneven geographical distribution of higher education institutions would create hurdles in managing MEME in several areas, mostly countryside in India.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Thakur, said in its report tabled in the Rajya Sabha that the institutions have not thought very clearly about this problem and how they will resolve it when it is at their doorstep.
“NEP proposes multi-entry and multi-exit options for the students. While it looks like a flexible system, which is being operated by western education institutions quite effectively, Indian institutions are likely to face several issues in implementing this system. Due to high population, the estimated intake of students in higher education every year is quite high.
“If institutions allow MEME (multiple entry and multiple exit), it would be very difficult for the institutions to predict how many students would exit and how many would join midway. Since institutions would not know the in- and out-traffic, it will certainly disturb the Pupil-Teacher Ratio,” the report said.
According to the “Guidelines for Multiple Entry and Exit in Academic Programmes offered in Higher Education Institutions” issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), flexible learning is important to choose one’s academic pathway leading to the award of certificate, diploma, and degree.