On December 7, the University Grants Commission (UGC) officially approved a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at integrating practical expertise into higher education through the introduction of short-term skill development courses. Eligibility for these courses is open to individuals who have successfully completed the Class 12 or Senior Secondary examination, or its equivalent.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the UGC outlined the draft guidelines for the implementation of short-term skill development courses within higher educational institutes (HEIs). These courses, designed to enhance students' skills, will offer credit-based certification with durations ranging from three to six months.
As per the UGC guidelines, universities and colleges are encouraged to establish collaborations with relevant skill councils, awarding bodies, and industry stakeholders. This strategic partnership aims to enhance credibility, providing students with access to placement opportunities, funding, and training schemes. Importantly, the courses are designed to incorporate industry-aligned content to ensure that students receive the most up-to-date and relevant skills.
Furthermore, the UGC emphasizes the self-sustainable nature of these courses, allowing universities and colleges the flexibility to determine the availability of infrastructure and training capacity as per their individual preferences and requirements. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering practical skills development within the higher education landscape.
The UGC's draft guidelines propose the development of short-term courses in various emerging technologies. These include artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, cloud computing, cyber security, 5G connectivity, the internet of things, data science, virtual reality, architectural drafting, basic 3D design, mobile communication, and repairing.
Additionally, the guidelines encompass courses in digital marketing, covering search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing, and e-commerce management. There are also FinTech courses, delving into digital payments, digital currencies, blockchain technology, and financial regulations. Moreover, Basics of Start-ups and Entrepreneurship are part of the recommended programs.
The list further includes a course on yogic sciences as one of the short-term skill-development certificate courses.
Aligned with the National Credit Framework and the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, the UGC's guidelines will soon be made available to the public next week, inviting feedback from stakeholders.
UGC CERTIFICATE COURSE STRUCTURE, CREDITS, FEE
In accordance with the preliminary guidelines, a short-term skill development course within any discipline should span between 12 to 30 credits. Each credit is attainable through 15 hours dedicated to theory, equivalent to one hour per week, and 30 hours of practical or skill training distributed over two hours per week.
Moreover, the stipulations outline that each course will offer a maximum of 60 seats to students, maintaining a minimum student-faculty ratio of 1:30.
Additionally, universities have the flexibility to structure certificate courses with a substantial 70% emphasis on skills. According to information from Career360, the document specifies, "The skill component encompasses practical classes in laboratories, workshops, industry premises, and any other hands-on training within the HEI's catchment area."
Prospective students are mandated to register on the ABC platform, as obtaining an Academic Bank of Credit identification card is now a prerequisite for admission to courses commencing in 2023.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
The UGC strongly advises universities to establish a dedicated center for skill development courses, utilizing their financial resources. This center will play a crucial role in identifying and addressing the specific skill needs of the local industry and employment opportunities within the region. Additionally, it will offer valuable data support for these courses.
To ensure accountability and effectiveness, an external committee, appointed by the Vice-Chancellor or principal, will conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation of the skill development center every three years, as outlined in the guidelines.
