The fifth All India Public Open University Vice-Chancellors Round Table Conference organized by Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SGOU), which concluded here on Wednesday, decided to introduce a harmonized model credit framework among open universities.
The proposed framework will standardize credit definitions, workload standards, equivalence mapping protocols, and allowable transfer limits between institutions. Integration with the Academic Credit Bank will also be completed in all member universities affiliated to the Indian Association of Public Open Universities (IAPOU) within one year. A national open university credit portal will also be launched within the year, enabling digital application processing, real-time tracking and transparent handling of student-centred complaints.
IAPOU aims to include at least 25% of eligible programs across member universities in the area of credit transfer in the first phase of implementation, gradually expanding to 50% within three years.
The association will be restructured into a politically controlled national consortium. Thematic verticals will be created in six domains including credit modification and academic integration, digital convergence and technological innovation and skills integration and industry partnerships.
A national repository of peer-reviewed self-study materials and open learning resources will be initiated to reduce duplication of content development by at least 40% over three years.
High priority will also be given to strengthening the status of faculties and research cooperation. An inter-university faculty exchange program will be launched within a year, along with the launch of the biennial Open University Research and Innovation Summit.
Over three months, a digital interoperability proposal will be drafted that will outline standards for interoperable learning management systems, federated digital repositories, AI-enabled student analytics tools, secure remote assessment platforms and blockchain-based credential verification. Pilot digital clusters involving at least four to five universities will be launched within twelve months.
SGOU Vice Chancellor (VC) Jagathy Raj VP delivered the valedictory address. Among the participants of the conference were Director National Board of Assessment and Accreditation Ganesh Kannabiran, Ministry of Higher Education Additional Secretary Anandrao V. Patil, CEO Commonwealth of Learning Peter Scott, Indira Gandhi National Open University VC Uma Kanjilal, Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University VC Ghanta Chakrapani.
Published – 25 Feb 2026 21:05 IST
