Multiple entry and Multiple exit option

Multiple entry and Multiple exit option

News: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, headed by BJP MP Vivek Thakur, has expressed concerns about the implementation of the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) system under the National Education Policy (NEP) in India.

What is MEME system?
• The National Education Policy (NEP) suggests implementing a multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system in higher education.
• This system in education is a flexible approach that allows students to enter and exit academic programs at various points, rather than following a linear and fixed path.

What are the key findings?
• The committee noted that while MEME has been successfully implemented in Western educational institutions, it might be challenging to execute in India due to high population and the estimated intake of students in higher education every year.
• If institutions allow MEME, it would be very difficult for them to predict how many students would exit and how many would join midway. This unpredictability could disturb the pupil-teacher ratio.
• The panel also expressed concern that the uneven geographical distribution of higher educational institutions could create hurdles in managing MEME in several areas, especially in the countryside.
• Despite these concerns, the panel recognized that MEME could offer students greater flexibility and choice in their educational pathways.
• Therefore, it recommended that the Union government develop comprehensive guidelines and a welldefined framework for MEME options. This includes specific eligibility criteria, credit transfer mechanisms, and a clear roadmap for students pursuing different exit points.
• The committee also suggested implementing a standardized Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) system. This system would allow students to earn and transfer credits seamlessly across institutions, facilitating smooth transitions between different levels of education.