How Formal And Informal Learning Can Help You Build Your Career – All About RPL

 

Informal Learning  RPL aims to help individuals formalize their existing skills, increase access to higher education, and enhance employability.

RPL bridges the gap between informal and formal education.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday introduced draft guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), an important part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL helps recognise the knowledge, skills, and abilities people have gained outside of formal education. It allows individuals to turn their experience into formal credits, making it easier for them to join the formal education system. Informal Learning

Around the world, employers are focusing more on skills than formal degrees. This shift shows that practical abilities and knowledge are becoming more valued.

What Is RPL?

To enter higher education, students usually need a certificate after completing Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Similarly, each education or training programme has specific entry requirements. RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) helps people who don’t have formal qualifications but have gained valuable experience. Informal Learning

For example, an artist with years of experience may struggle to get into top art schools. Through RPL, they can get credit for their previous work, which may allow them to enter higher education and even finish their degree faster. Informal Learning

RPL recognises that learning happens in many ways, not just through formal education. It evaluates a person’s skills and experiences, whether they were gained through school, work, volunteer activities, personal projects, or life experiences. By recognising skills learned outside of traditional education, RPL helps connect real-world experience with formal education, especially for people who don’t have formal qualifications but have valuable knowledge and skills. Informal Learning

Speaking to News18.comUGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said, “We need to address the challenges faced by India’s large informal workforce, which needs opportunities for formal education and career growth. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is key to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. RPL helps individuals gain formal recognition for the skills and knowledge they have learned through informal or non-formal ways. It allows them to access higher education, earn formal qualifications, and improve their chances of getting better jobs.”

“The National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports RPL by making it possible to give credit for all types of learning—academic, vocational, and experiential. RPL bridges the gap between real-world experience and formal education, helping people turn their skills into recognised qualifications, which can improve their career opportunities,” he added. Informal Learning

How Will RPL Work?

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) will be managed by centres in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), government-approved assessment bodies, and industry groups. These centres will guide applicants, evaluate their evidence, and handle credit transfers.

Applicants will submit proof of their prior learning, like work samples, project reports, or certificates. Trained evaluators from education, industry, and regulatory bodies will assess the evidence to make sure it meets required standards. If approved, credits will be given and stored in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), a digital system where learners can accumulate and use these credits towards formal qualifications like degrees or certifications.

Benefits For Students

RPL allows students to gain credits for what they already know, reducing the time and cost needed to complete a degree. They can present their ABC record when applying for admissions, proving their eligibility and lowering the study load. Some universities may offer flexible admission options for RPL applicants, allowing them to enter advanced levels of a programme or skip introductory courses.

For example, a student with programming experience can use RPL to enter an advanced computer science programme and skip basic courses. Similarly, someone trained in sustainable farming can use RPL to join an agricultural sciences programme. Students without traditional qualifications, like a high school certificate, can use their RPL credits to show equivalent skills and gain admission.

Benefits For Professionals

RPL helps professionals turn their work experience into formal qualifications, improving career advancement opportunities. They can earn academic credits for their skills without repeating work they’ve already done. This is useful for those looking to switch careers, get promotions, or meet industry qualifications.

For example, a marketing manager without a degree could use RPL to gain credits toward a business management degree, improving their chances for leadership roles. Professionals can also use their ABC credits for performance reviews, promotions, or meeting certification requirements. For those wishing to continue their education, RPL can help them gain direct entry into higher-level programmes, skip basic courses, and complete their qualifications faster and at a lower cost. Informal Learning

How RPL Works For Formal And Informal Learning

Formal Learning

Formal learning happens in structured settings like colleges, universities, and accredited institutions. It leads to official certificates, degrees, and licenses. Examples include: Informal Learning

Academic Degrees and Certificates: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Professional Licenses and Certifications: Qualifications needed for specific professions.

Corporate Training Programs: Employer-led courses that improve job-related skills.

Continuing Education Programs: Courses that help people update or gain new skills.

Standardized Examinations: Tests like entrance exams or competitive exams for jobs.

Example: Asha’s Journey to a B.Sc Nursing Degree

Asha, a nurse with a Diploma in General Nursing, wants to upgrade to a B.Sc in Nursing using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Here’s how:

Submission: Asha provides her diploma, transcripts, and work experience details.

Assessment: An evaluation body compares her GNM education with the B.Sc curriculum.

Assessments: Asha takes written and practical tests to prove her nursing skills.

Credit Awarding: Based on her assessments, she gets credits for previous learning.

Exemption: Asha is exempt from some subjects, allowing her to complete her degree faster.

Informal Learning

Informal learning happens outside formal education settings and doesn’t result in formal certificates. It includes:

Work Experience: Skills gained through professional activities.

Volunteering: Experience from unpaid work.

Self-Taught Skills: Knowledge learned independently.

Hobbies and Personal Projects: Skills from personal interests.

Mentorship and Coaching: Learning from experienced mentors.

Clubs and Groups: Skills gained through social activities.

Example: Suresh’s Journey to an MBA

Suresh, an entrepreneur, wants to use RPL to pursue an MBA. Here’s his process:

Portfolio Preparation: Suresh compiles his business records and self-study materials.

Assessment: An RPL body reviews his experience and compares it to MBA concepts.

Interview and Case Studies: Suresh discusses his business experience and presents case studies.

Credit Awarding: Based on his experience, he earns credits for core MBA subjects.

Exemption: Suresh skips certain subjects in MBA, speeding up his degree process.