Why in News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for feedback. It integrates Indian knowledge systems into subjects like commerce, economics, chemistry, mathematics, and anthropology.

Key Terms/Concepts

Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF)

• Curriculum designed to define what students are expected to learn by the end of a course.
• Focuses on skill-building, values, and knowledge outcomes.

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

• Traditional knowledge in fields like mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and art.
• Seeks to integrate cultural and historical insights into modern education.

Bharatiya Philosophy in Commerce

• Gurukul model of holistic education.
• Ethical leadership, sustainable business practices, and decision-making principles.

News Details

• UGC released draft LOCF for anthropology, chemistry, commerce, economics, geography, home science, mathematics, physical education, and political science.
• Heavy emphasis on Indian knowledge traditions.
• Some inclusions:
  • Mathematics: Mandala geometry, rangoli, temple architecture, contributions of Indian mathematicians to algebra, geometry, and calculus.
  • Commerce: Incorporation of Bharatiya philosophy, Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
  • Economics: Indian concepts of wealth, dharmic thought, trade ethics, ecological values, indigenous exchange systems.
  • Chemistry: Study of traditional beverages (kanji, mahua, toddy) and ancient atomic theories.
  • Anthropology: Insights from Charaka, Sushruta, Buddha, Mahavira on nature-culture relationships.

Comparative Analysis: NEP vs LOCF

Aspect	National Education Policy (NEP)	Draft LOCF
Approach	Multidisciplinary, holistic education	Primarily single-major focus
Curriculum	Encourages flexibility	Credits mostly for discipline-specific courses
Inclusion of IKS	General emphasis	Strong subject-wise integration (math, commerce, etc.)

Prelims Practice

1. Consider the following pairs:
   1. Kautilya’s Arthashastra – Commerce Curriculum
   2. Mandala Geometry – Mathematics Curriculum
   3. Traditional Beverages (Mahua, Toddy) – Economics Curriculum

How many of the above are correctly matched?
(a) One only
(b) Two only
(c) All three
(d) None

2. Which of the following is a focus area of the draft LOCF?
   1. Bharatiya philosophy in commerce
   2. Ecological values in economics
   3. Quantum theory in anthropology

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

3. With reference to the draft UGC curriculum framework, which statement is correct?
   (a) It fully aligns with NEP’s multidisciplinary approach.
   (b) It gives priority to single-major pathways.
   (c) It excludes Indian knowledge systems.
   (d) It is limited to physical sciences.

Mains Practice

1. Discuss the significance and challenges of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in higher education through the draft UGC curriculum framework.

Answers Table

Prelims
1 → (b) Two only (1 and 2 correct; beverages in Chemistry, not Economics).
2 → (a) 1 and 2 only.
3 → (b) It gives priority to single-major pathways.