New Delhi,The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given its nod to guidelines enabling the incorporation of short-term, industry-relevant certificate courses in higher educational institutes (HEIs). This move aims to address skill gaps and enhance the employability of students in the professional arena.
Under these guidelines, universities and colleges can introduce short-term skill development courses in any stream, requiring a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 30 credits. The UGC emphasizes aligning this initiative with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting a shift from traditional learning methods to holistic education.
UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar highlighted that these courses would empower students to acquire essential competencies, upgrade their skills, and transition effectively into the job market. The courses are open to students pursuing degrees or diplomas at HEIs, as well as individuals who have completed class 12 or its equivalent.
The proposed guidelines suggest introducing courses in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, IoT, Data Science and Analytics, Cloud Computing, 5G Connectivity, cybersecurity, fashion technology, Yogic Sciences, and start-ups and entrepreneurship.
HEIs planning to offer these courses must establish a “Centre for Skill Development Courses” to monitor the design, adoption, and delivery of short-duration skill development courses. The performance of these centers will be assessed every three years by an External Committee.
The courses, lasting between three to six months, will focus on practical learning, and each course cohort’s maximum student intake should not exceed 60. The curriculum will have a suitable mix of general and skill components, with a minimum of 60% of total credits dedicated to the skill component.
