If you are a DU SOL student, then you must have heard about CBCS (Choice based credit system ) and NEP (National education policy). These two system directly impacts your syllabus, fees, credit system and even your career choices. Let’s discuss about these two system in detail in this article.
What is CBCS?
Full form of CBCS is “Choice Based Credit System”. Mostly students know about this system. What happens in this system is that there is a graduation program of 3 years in which students could also choose some generic elective subjects.
In each subject, there are credits and according to these credits your SGPA/CGPA are calculated. In 2025, this system has been changed with NEP.
Features of CBCS
- Semester-wise studies: It divides your course year into 2 semesters, which means if 3 year course was divided into 6 semesters.
- Choice of electives: You can choose a subject of your own choice from a number of subject apart form core subjects.
- Skill-based papers: Includes skill enhancement and ability enhancement courses.
- Credit system: Every subject gives you a fixed number of credits.
- Grades, not just marks: Your final result uses a grade point average like you must have heard students saying, I got 6 CGPA, etc.
What is NEP?
NEP stands for “National Education Policy”. This was introduced by the Indian government in 2020. NEP is more flexible and multi-disciplinary than CBCS.
In this system, students get 4 year courses unlike 3 year courses which you get in CBCS. Also, the best thing about NEP is that there are choices of entry and exit. Students will get a certificate even if they left their studies after one year.
DU NEP Multiple Entry Exit Guidelines 2025
Features of NEP
- Four-year UG courses: Students can now choose 3-year degree or a 4-year honours/research degree.
- Multiple entries and exits: You can exit after 1/2/3 years with a certificate/diploma/degree, and rejoin within a defined period.
- More electives, more skill courses: Greater range of ability enhancement, skill, and value-added courses.
- Continuous evaluation: Internal assessments, assignments, and skill-based components gives students a glance at where they are standing.
- Interdisciplinary approach: The best part is that you can take subjects from different streams like Accountancy from Commerce, and Biology from Science.
- Internships/research options: Opportunities for project work, vocational exposure, or research in the final year.
DU SOL’s CBCS vs. NEP Curriculum
| Feature | CBCS | NEP 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Duration | 3 years (traditional), 6 semesters | 3 or 4 years (multiple exit points) |
| Academic Structure | Core + Elective + Skill courses | Multi-disciplinary, more electives |
| Entry & Exit Flexibility | Not available | Multiple entry/exit, certifications |
| Evaluation Process | Grades (SGPA/CGPA), exams-focused | Continuous internal + end-sem exams |
| Skill Development | Skill/Ability Enhancement papers | More focus on skills + internships |
| Interdisciplinary Options | Limited | Broad, mix subjects across streams |
| Research/Project Option | Generally not included | Mandatory in 4th year/honours |
Why NEP is good for DU SOL students?
- Flexible Learning: NEP lets you pause your studies and return, or exit early with a diploma if life gets in the way.
- Better Career Skills: More skill-based and value courses mean you graduate job-ready.
- Smoother Transfers: Degree of DU SOL is equal with regular DU colleges and it is very useful if you want to migrate or do higher studies.
- Modern Assessment: Less pressure from one-time exams, thanks to internal assessment and projects.
Conclusion
This was all about DU SOL’s CBCS vs. NEP Curriculum. If you have any doubts related to this topic, you can ask in the comments. I will try to resolve your doubts as soon as possible.