How To Choose the Best Student Management System (SMS/SIS) for Higher Education in the Philippines

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What is the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS)?

3. Why CBCS is a Differentiator

4. Key Benefits of CBCS

5. Key Benefits of CBCS to Faculty

6. How Camu Will Aid in the Rollout of CBCS

Introduction

The expectations of all parties involved in the education programme are not met by the conventional peer group structure. The rigid system fails on many fronts at the input level even if it attempts to achieve parity in output. The necessity for creative teaching methods is driven by the dynamic management environment. The choice-based credit system (CBCS), which enables students to tailor the curriculum to meet their needs, is progressively gaining favour in higher education institutions. Once CBCS for higher education is implemented, students can choose the courses they want to take, the level of difficulty—from a basic concept-based course to an advanced level course—the order in which they should be taken, and even the professors who will teach them.

What is the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS)?

A student-centred educational paradigm, popularly referred to as Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), provides students with a fantastic opportunity to learn courses & subjects of their choice - core, optional, open or global electives, & skill-based courses. The CBCS grading scheme differs from the conventional educational model in that it is based on the number of credits earned each semester or term. Gives students or knowledge seekers the flexibility to select their courses from a range of elective, core, and soft skill courses, providing a convenient and effective teaching-learning platform.

Grading systems are frequently used to evaluate the courses; these systems are thought to be superior to conventional marking systems. The traditional higher education system didn't give students a lot of options. The instructional materials for the course were outdated, redundant, and preset. The traditional segregated courses lacked current applicability, making it difficult for students to utilise their knowledge base later in their work environment, business, or life.

Why CBCS is a Differentiator

The Choice-Based Credit System for higher education or CBCS for higher education follows a semester-by-semester structure, with even and odd semesters adding up to an academic year. The CBCS uses a grading and evaluation system to map student performance rather than assigning grades in terms of percentages. It adheres to a credit system that is connected to the course materials made available to students. This not only creates possibilities for learning but also makes learning goals and objectives evident. A credit system for higher education evaluates different factors, including:

Student Performance

The information must be put into the system once the institution has decided on the subjects, credits, pairing, prerequisite courses, etc. for the specific course. Students should be able to choose the subject and instructor that best suits their interests using the system. This method of subject selection will guarantee a student's highest achievement.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes encourage educators and learners to consider total growth as opposed to focusing solely on theoretical topics in the classroom. By giving individuals the freedom to select courses that match their interests, aspirations, and objectives, the Choice-Based Credit System empowers students to curate their professional development.

Entrepreneurship Skills, Innovation, Contact Hours, Creativity and Talent

The University Grants Commission (UGC) launched the CBCS system, which advances and encourages the educational liberalisation of current traditional higher education models.

Key Benefits of CBCS

• Bridges the gap between professional and social exposure

• Allows interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary course selection

• Offers walk-in/walk-out certification programmes

• Supports student mobility through credit transfer

• Grading system reduces stigma and boosts institutional flexibility

For Students

• Select courses at their own pace and level

• Opt for basic or advanced courses

• Choose preferred instructors

Key Benefits of CBCS to Faculty

1. Flexibility in Curriculum Design

   • Teachers can develop curriculum per UGC guidelines

2. Establish Evaluation Criteria

   • Credits are awarded at the teacher’s discretion: Classroom (C), Experimental (E), and Test results (T)

3. Enhanced Teaching and Learning Process

   • LMS and SIS integration supports interactive learning methods like quizzes, seminars, and assignments

4. Reduced Assessment Burden

   • Evaluations are automated and criteria are predefined

CBCS has the potential to transform the Indian education system. Supporting it with school software like LMS and SIS adds measurable value.

How Camu Will Aid in the Rollout of CBCS

Camu’s digital campus offers advanced features to simplify the adoption of CBCS. The Student Information System with a Choice-Based Credit System helps manage a student’s academic lifecycle—right from admission to graduation.

Features:

• Record and manage registrations and grades

• Prevent data loss compared to manual systems

• Support flexible assessment schedules

• Configure account systems methodically

• Generate real-time analytical reports

• Provide interactive dashboards

Camu supports both administrative and academic functions seamlessly. It ensures a cloud-based, scalable, and user-friendly approach to education.