UGC Approves Guidelines for Short-Term Industry-Relevant Certificate Courses

December 8, 2023

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given the green light to guidelines facilitating the introduction of short-term, industry-relevant certificate courses. Aimed at addressing the skill gap and enhancing student productivity in the workplace, these courses will carry up to 30 credits.

Duration and Focus of the Courses

The approved guidelines emphasize courses lasting three to six months, placing a significant emphasis on practical learning. Draft guidelines will soon be open to the public for feedback. The courses are designed for students pursuing degrees or diplomas, as well as individuals who have completed class 12 or its equivalent.

Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar notes that these courses align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative seeks to move away from traditional rote learning, promoting holistic learning. The courses aim to equip students with desired competencies, enabling a smoother transition to the job market.

Inclusivity and Employability

The courses are open not only to current students but also to dropouts, ensuring inclusivity. The intention is to make such individuals more employable by providing them with relevant skills.

Focus Areas and Credit Structure

The draft guidelines outline 27 focus areas for credit-linked short-term skill development courses, encompassing fields like AI, robotics, IoT, data science, digital marketing, yogic sciences, soft skills, and communication. HEIs can offer courses ranging from 12 to 30 credits.

Establishment of “Centre for Skill Development Courses”

HEIs are expected to establish a “Centre for Skill Development Courses,” which will be responsible for identifying local job opportunities, skill requirements, and data support for these courses. The center can be established independently or in collaboration with the industry.

Monitoring and Assessment

The draft emphasizes the need for monitoring and assessment, indicating that the performance of the center will be evaluated every three years by an External Committee. The maximum student intake for each course is capped at 60 students per cohort.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum for each course will consist of a blend of general and skill components, with the skill component constituting 60-70% of total credits. Practical classes, workshops, and hands-on training are integral to the skill component.

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