Credit Based System Entering Indian Colleges?

What classes to choose? How do I make sure I register on time so I am not shut out? Will I get all the required classes that are needed for me to graduate in this semester? Which electives will I choose?

These were all questions I used to ask myself when standing in line during my college days while signing up for the next semester's classes. I guess though it is only about 10 years ago (a little more!) I am dating myself as college students don't need to physically stand in line anymore- though possibly virtually- as it is all done online. Though the method of registering for next semester's classes differs, I am sure the questions students ask themselves have not. The fact is the student is in control of their schedule. If the student doesn't choose their sections, pick their electives and sign up on time, someone else may get into the classes they want.

This was a headache I did not experience in India. Classes for my two year master's in social work program were already laid out for me. I would be sitting in class pretty much from 9-5 Monday through Friday- it was a set schedule. I could not pick taking a class in the morning or afternoon. It was already set in stone. I could not choose electives. The only 'electives' I had were in the second year when I chose my specialization- Medical and Psychiatry or Community Development. Even then, I never got to see students outside my department, and electives cut the class almost in half. I saw the other half, we all were in the same room for common classes (or as it was called in India, 'common papers:'). The set schedule made my life as an international student very easy- it was all set out for me. As I think of this, I am curious how such flexible scheduling in U.S. colleges can be such a culture shock for students from other countries who never experienced this before.


I began thinking about this because of a recent article published in the Hindu on the topic of opening up academic flexibility based on the credit system in India. I have read several articles on this topic over the past few years. I believe some colleges in India have taken to credit systems. In particular, I am curious about colleges that have paired with foreign universities for 'twinning' programs. These are programs where half of the degree is completed in India and the other half abroad. The student would be awarded the degree from the last institution attended.

There are pros and cons to the credit system. There are varying viewpoints on how to evolve current college programs in India to the credit system. "Getting prepared for choice-based credit system" is just one article with one set of viewpoints on this issue. If you are aware of any other issues in this topic, please list them in the comments below. Thank you.

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