Micro Credentials: An Innovation in Indian Higher Education Institutes

Abstract:

There needs to be more than the existing conventional degrees in the current changing landscape of education and employment to make a lasting impression in a crowded job market.  This article examines how micro-credentials might help college students and recent graduates succeed, offering insight into the growing significance of these compact qualifications. The article also explores many advantages, from improving skill sets to increasing employability, and looks at how micro-credentials provide an adaptable and effective means of bridging the knowledge gap between academia and industry expectations.

What are Micro-Credentials?

Micro-credentials are short-term, concise, competency-based qualifications that are distinct from traditional degrees.  Micro-credentials, also known as nano degrees, are bite-sized pieces of knowledge that can be learned in a short amount of time.  They are generally offered online, in hybrid, distant or physical form, and they are also offered at various levels, such as beginners, intermediate and advanced.  These targets a wide range of probationers, from undergraduate and postgraduate students to working professionals and even unemployed youths (Quigley, 2023).

Contrary to micro-credentials, macro-credential learners must study for several years to get an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.  In macro credentials, students may have to pay high college fees; and students are mainly given classroom theoretical knowledge. However, in micro credentials, students are given practical knowledge and experience of real-life working conditions in the job environment. In formal degree courses conducted by universities, 'credits' are used to assign value to different forms of learning — lectures, tutorials, laboratory work and so on.  In such macro credential programmes, courses are designed to be of four credits, and one credit corresponds to one hour of lecture or two hours of lab work.  Hence, in traditional Indian education programmes, 'credits' are associated with the time spent in the classroom. Micro-credential credits, on the other hand, are associated with the time spent acquiring a defined competency and skill (Kumar, 2024).

Why are Micro Credentials Important?

The Higher Education Institutes in India need to play an active role in ensuring that students possess the necessary skills and competencies required to get jobs.  There exists an aperture between the knowledge the students acquire in the universities and the skills which they must have to become employable.  To bridge this gap, Micro-credentials are emerging as a disruptive force, which allows students to acquire the skills and competencies required in the job market.  They are becoming the new normal in higher education because of their benefits, availability, and flexibility.  It is important to acknowledge that hiring methods are evolving as well, with a growing trend towards prioritising skills over degrees and an increase in the acceptance of micro-credentials (Bhargava, 2022).

Benefits of Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials are very affordable and flexible for learners, especially for those who did not have the opportunity to study at higher education institutions.  It can make higher education more meaningful by allowing students to learn and equip themselves with skills that will make them more job-ready.  Higher education providers can improve the relevance and alignment of micro-credential programmes with their respective National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) and subject-specific quality standards by dividing their degree and qualification programmes into stand-alone components or modules with mechanisms for stakeholder involvement.

Additionally, micro-credentials make education more personalised; the learners can learn at their own pace, at their time of convenience and can select the program of their interest.  They also induce various non-higher education institutions, especially on the demand side, like big business firms and enterprises, to establish small training facilities as a part of the national learning ecosystem and contribute to the increasing relevance of learning programmes.  Micro-credentials offer significant benefits to the learners.  There are very few courses that have strict eligibility criteria, which ensures that a vast majority of aspiring learners can take these credentials.  Even institutions benefit from a wider reach.  It surely improves visibility for an institution which allows them to connect with learners far and wide (Wang, 2022).

India's approach to Micro-Credential:

Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020- In the new education policy, the government of India has recognised the need for skill-based competencies required in Higher Education Institutes, which complements the demands of micro-credentials. This policy focuses on ensuring that the students learn practical skills right from the school to higher education levels (Forum IAS, 2024).

National Credit Framework (NCrF) Integration- The National Credit Framework envisages a broad enabling system for all universities, including institutions of national importance.  It is a meta-framework to seamlessly integrate the credits earned through school education, higher education, and vocational and skill education.  This meta-frame consists of three verticals: the National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF), the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), and the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).  This framework is in line with the concept of micro-credentials (Drishti IAS, 2023).

Academic Banks of Credits- Students need to open an Academic Banks of Credit account where they can keep the credits, they earned from either macro credentials or micro-credentials in digital form.  In order to open an Academic Bank of Credit account, the students need to make a registration through their Aadhar Card.

Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM)- The Indian Ministry of Education spearheaded the SWAYAM initiative.  By providing access to free online courses covering all advanced education, high school, and skill sector courses, it advances the concept of micro certificates.  Today, the SWAYAM platform provides up to 2,000 courses.  Everyone can access the platform for free, and it provides courses ranging from class 9 to post-graduation (Swayam Central, n.d.). 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the landscape of education in India is undergoing a significant transformation with the recognition and integration of micro-credentials into the broader educational framework.  The traditional approach of pursuing macro-credentials through lengthy undergraduate or postgraduate degrees is being complemented by the emergence of micro-credentials, offering a more flexible, accessible, and practical avenue for skill acquisition.  Initiatives of the Indian government, especially those that are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, demonstrate a dedication to acknowledging and advancing micro-credentials as essential components of the educational ecosystem.

As the education system adapts to these developments, it is clear that micro-credentials are not just a trend but an important component in creating a skilled and competency-based workforce.  The emphasis on practical skills, alignment with industry demands, and the recognition of these credentials through various frameworks signals a positive shift towards a more inclusive and skill-focused education system in India.

About the Author

Saksham Singh a second-year student of B.A. (Hons) Economics in Hansraj College, Delhi University.  He is primarily interested in research work and analysing government policies and issues related to the development of the country.

Reference

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Forum IAS. (2024, February 6). Micro-Credentials and Higher Education in India | ForumIAS. ForumIAS.  
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Jasmine, Q. (2023, June 5). What are Micro Credentials and how are they used?. https://www.accredible.com/blog/what-are-micro-credentials 
Kumar, M. J. (2024, February 4). Micro-credentials, the next chapter in higher education. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/micro-credentials-the-next-chapter-in-higher-education/article67811572.ece 
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Wang, L. (2023b, October 11). Micro-credentials: An important part of a bigger ecosystem. UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/micro-credentials-important-part-bigger-ecosystem#:~:text=Compared%20to%20macro%2Dcredentials%2C%20such,greater%20agility%2C%20flexibility%20and%20diversity.