Sixth Deans’ Committee Report (Volume-II)

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education Government of India, is tasked with the responsibility to aid, impart and coordinate agricultural education to develop high-quality human resources in the country. The National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) presents an opportunity for substantial reforms in the education system, including higher agricultural education. Soon after the announcement of the NEP-2020, ICAR formulated a committee and developed the guidelines “Implementation strategy for National Education Policy-2020 in Agricultural Education system” during September, 2021. Accordingly, all the Agricultural Universities (AUs) started implementing various provision of NEP-2020 in their respective AUs. Following the committee’s recommendations, the Sixth Deans’ Committee was constituted on August 17, 2021 (orders issued on Sep 15, 2021 vide notification F. No. Edn.5/24/202/EQR/VI Deans). The 6th Deans’ Committee was mandated to revamp the course curriculum, credit framework, and academic standards for agricultural education.  This initiative aims to standardize uniform academic structures across the country both in public and private institutions offering undergraduate (UG) programs in agriculture and allied sciences.

To formulate the guidelines, course curriculum & credit framework, and other aspects, series of meetings and consultations (both off-line and on-line) of committee were held and all aspects were discussed in detail taking into consideration of NEP-2020 provisions. The member of the committee consulted the subject specific experts by holding off-line and on-line meeting. A meeting was also organized with CEO, Agriculture Skill Council of India on modalities of integration of vocational courses in the general agriculture education course framework. Further, a meeting with Chairman, UGC was also held to discuss the UG course curriculum of all agriculture and allied science disciplines as per the NEP-2020 and UGC guidelines. The general guidelines, course curriculum and credit framework was also presented in Vice-Chancellor’ Conference held at NASC, New Delhi and suggestions were incorporated in the report. The report was also presented in a meeting chaired by Secretary, who attend the meeting DARE & DG ICAR. All Deputy Director General (DDGs) & Assistant Director Generals (ADGs) of education suggested the changes which were incorporated in the report. The report was also sent to all DDGs for their inputs and suggestions. The draft report was sent all Vice-Chancellors of SAUs/CAUs/DUs/CUs with agriculture faculty for taking views/suggestions of faculty and students. In addition, views of foreign experts were also invited on the draft report. The final report on general guidelines, course curriculum, credit framework of all the UG disciplines was prepared in consultation with stakeholders. 

Guided by the principles and philosophy of NEP-2020, the committee developed a comprehensive report outlining a restructured course curriculum and credit framework for 13 UG disciplines in agriculture and allied sciences and necessary provisions have been made in the curriculum to enable an individual to study report major and minor courses along with choice of electives. The 13 UG disciplines for which the course curriculum and credit framework restructured were Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Biotechnology, Dairy Technology, Fisheries Science, Food Technology, Forestry, Community Science, Horticulture, Food Nutrition and Dietetics, and Sericulture, along with two new disciplines namely Natural Farming and Agribusiness Management. 

Key features of the report include curriculum revision, modification of academic structure of degrees/diplomas/certificates, the introduction of an academic bank of credits (ABC), a multiple entry-and-exit system, flexible course selection, introduction of skill enhancement courses, making internship as part of UG-certificate, UG-diploma and degree requirements, and the incorporation of industry-oriented internships as part of UG requirements. A course entitled “Deeksharambh” has been introduced in the first semester for a duration of two weeks to acquaint students to learn from each other’s life experiences, traditional values and traditional cultures and values. Common courses have been proposed developing better communication skills and personality development as well as to have a broader view of agriculture and allied sectors. New age courses like artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, etc. have been incorporated into the course curricula for preparing student in the era of Digital Technology. Progressive assessment of the student/s is part of course curriculum and the focus is enhancing their critical thinking and creativity rather than rote reading.

During this comprehensive exercise of restructuring the course curriculum and credit framework, the much-needed support, inputs and participation rendered by Hon’ble ViceChancellors of SAUs/CAUs/DUs/ CUs with Agriculture Faculty is greatly acknowledged. The support and help extended by all Deputy Director Generals is much appreciated.

I also take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Former Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR for his initiatives, guidance and support. I feel extremely happy to take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE and DG, ICAR for reposing faith in the committee and also constantly providing visionary guidance, cordial support and valuable inputs which helped in completing this task through various stages.

I hope, the educational reforms as suggested by the Sixth Deans Committee shall lead to a complete overhaul, and re-energise the higher agricultural education system to overcome the challenges currently being faced in India and thereby, deliver high quality higher agricultural education with equity and inclusion with focus to make the agricultural graduates as global leaders equipped with skills of better employment.