Understanding the CBCS Education Model with Manoj Madhavan Kutty

The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) is an educational model that offers students to Opt for courses and subjects of their choice beyond their core domain- in the form of electives (open & global mobility) and skill enhancement-based modules. Unlike the traditional marking-based system, the CBCS grading pattern is based on earned credits every semester.

 This conversation with Mr. Manoj Madhvan Kutty, Director- Admissions & Outreach, SRM University Sonepat, talks about the CBCS education model. 

Mr. Kutty says that a choice-based credit system is a transformative educational model adapted from the Western world. Since SRMUH has adapted the choice-based credit system (CBCS) educational model, Mr. Kutty explains the model more simply. Companies these days want people with multiple skillsets. However, earlier, this was not a necessity. One role demanded a person to master one particular job only. Says Mr. Kutty. 

"Traditionally, a typical 9-5 work involves redundant and monotonous work mastered over a period of time. However, with technological advancement and automation, companies no longer need people who have to do the same work again and again,"   

Mr. Kutty says it is not the same case anymore since companies now need people to do the same task differently and sometimes, even different jobs. He explained this with an example in earlier days; a mechanical engineer would require knowing details about fabricating and the strength of materials, etc. With CBCS, the same engineer understands the client expectations and works on resource optimisation, which is usually done by the QA cell or the line manager. 

But why is CBCS important? Mr. Kutty says that once an engineer joins a company now, they are required to create the product and need to know how to sell the product and how it can be pursued in different markets. The knowledge acquired can help them in breaking this business barrier. Also, apart from creating the product, there are a lot of other issues such as patent issues, copyright infringement. Along with engineering studies, a person who has studied under the CBCS model will have more knowledge in multiple domains. With CBCS, the same person will learn a broader role, and automatically employability goes up, says Mr. Kutty.

 He added that a student from a typical engineering college would know only related to his course and nothing more than that. On the other hand, a student who has studied under the CBCS model will have the edge over other students in the industry. An employer, today,  is more likely to hire a person with multiple skillsets as that employee can contribute in different situations and times. 

Mr. Kutty says that the National Education Policy has arrived at the right time. But how?

 There are two big reasons; it's been 30-35 years since any transformation has happened at this level in the education sector. "The government understands that we cannot create quality skill force without working at the school level and higher educational level,"

 Without quality skill force, nothing can be created inside the country, and that's why brain drain is happening, the Director -Admissions & Outreach, SRM University, Sonepat said.

 The government is revamping the system by bringing CBCS and National Education Policy, added Mr. Kutty. There are two powerhouses in Asia, China and India. However, Kutty adds that China is no longer seen as a favourable partner now by many companies. Being a democratic nation, India can take this as a significant opportunity; it will help the whole world by giving graduates in different fields who are well-versed in multiple domains, he said.

 Like any other educational model, CBCS also has merits and demerits, says Mr. Kutty. SRM University, Sonepat is a multi-disciplinary University, which means it offers several courses with different specialisations and an expert faculty for all.

 However, he says that it can be very challenging to deploy CBCS in a small engineering college where there are no other courses or only a handful of subject options is available for students.  It would involve a lot of financial constraints as well. Shortage of resources is one of the biggest problems in India, he said, adding that implementation of CBCS in cities and metropolitans could not be as challenging it is for small regions.

 "However, in rural areas, understanding the CBCS model could be a huge challenge and will take a lot of time," he said. In short, he says, that CBCS cannot be applied across India instantly. India has a long way to go.

 According to Mr. Manoj Madhavan Kutty, CBCS will take much more time in a developing nation like India than in other countries.