UGC Introduces Guidelines for Skill-Based Courses in Higher Education
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has developed new guidelines to introduce skill-based courses and micro-credentials in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with the goal of equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills alongside academic knowledge to enhance their job prospects.
Approved by the UGC in its meeting on November 13, the guidelines emphasize the inclusion of emerging fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital marketing. These courses will be integrated into existing academic programs to improve the employability of students.
The guidelines, which outline a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the implementation of these skill-based courses and micro-credentials in HEIs, will soon be made available on the UGC portal for public feedback and suggestions.
UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar stated, “By introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials, we enable students to gain competencies in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, sustainable practices, and digital marketing. Embedding these courses within the academic framework bridges the gap between traditional education and the dynamic needs of the industry.”
He further emphasized, “These courses will equip students with practical skills and expertise in high-demand areas like data science, AI, and sustainability, aligning education directly with industry requirements.”
The new UGC guidelines align with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to transform India’s education system, adapting it to future needs while remaining grounded in Indian values. NEP 2020, launched on July 29, 2020, replaces the 1986 policy and introduces significant reforms at all levels of education, from schools to higher education.
Incorporating the National Credit Framework (NCrF) into these guidelines, the UGC aims to allow students to earn credits across academic, skill-based, and experiential domains as they progress. Under the new guidelines, all universities are now permitted to offer skill-based courses.
According to the National Credit Framework, general universities may allow students to earn up to 50% of the total credits required for a degree through skill-based courses or micro-credentials. For Skill Universities, this limit is set at 60% of the total credits, with the possibility of extending it to 70% in exceptional cases, subject to prior approval from the UGC or the relevant regulatory authority.
Kumar noted, “This flexibility in credit allocation empowers students to tailor their educational experiences, exploring diverse fields that enhance both employability and personal growth.”
The guidelines also state that multinational corporations (MNCs) wishing to offer skill-based courses in HEIs can seek approval from the UGC. The new guidelines aim to strengthen the partnerships between HEIs and industries for curriculum development, internships, and job placements, thereby boosting the employability of graduates.
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