The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given approval to guidelines for the introduction of credit-linked short-term skill courses in higher educational institutes. Aimed at addressing the skill gap and enhancing students’ workplace productivity, these courses will offer up to 30 credits and a duration of three to six months, emphasizing practical learning.

The draft guidelines will soon be made public for stakeholder feedback. These courses are open to students pursuing degrees or diplomas, those who have completed class 12 or equivalent, and even individuals who have dropped out of colleges or universities.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the initiative promotes a shift from traditional learning methods to holistic learning, enabling students to acquire relevant competencies and additional skills for employability. The proposed courses cover diverse areas such as AI, robotics, data science, digital marketing, yogic sciences, and soft skills.

Under the guidelines, universities and colleges with the necessary infrastructure can offer these courses, establishing a “Centre for Skill Development Courses.” This center, led by a senior professor, will monitor course design, adoption, and delivery, maintaining profiles of local job opportunities and industry skill requirements.

The maximum student intake for each short-term skill development course is set at 60 per cohort, with assessments conducted every three years. The curriculum emphasizes a balance between general and skill components, with practical training accounting for 60-70% of total credits. The UGC encourages the establishment of these centers either independently or through collaboration with the industry, promoting transparency through mandatory disclosures on HEI websites.

Also read: UGC proposal: 1-year PG for 4-year UG; PG students can switch discipline/mode