The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday, December 7, approved a set of guidelines to introduce short-term skill development courses to integrate expertise into higher education. Anyone who has passed the Class 12 or Senior Secondary examination or its equivalent is eligible for admission to the short-term courses.
The UGC said in a statement on Thursday: “Draft guidelines for introduction of short-term skill development courses in higher education institutions (HEIs).” These courses would pave the way for students to pursue short-term credit-based skills development courses for a duration of three to six months.
As per the UGC guidelines, universities and colleges can collaborate with relevant skill councils/awarding bodies and industry players to gain credibility and access placement opportunities, financing and training programs to ensure up-to-date, industry-tailored course content . The courses will be conducted in a self-sustainable manner, and universities/colleges are free to decide on the availability of infrastructure and training capacity accordingly.
In its draft guidelines, UGC has also proposed to develop short-term courses on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, 5G Connectivity, Internet of Things, Data Science, Virtual Reality, Architecture Drafting, Basic 3D Design , mobile communications and repair.
It also has courses such as Digital Marketing, with courses in search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing and e-commerce management, FinTech, including courses in digital payments, digital currency, blockchain technology and financial regulation, and Basics of Start-ups and Entrepreneurship.
In addition, a yoga science course is also one of the recommended programs in the list of short-term skill development courses.
The UGC has prepared the guidelines in accordance with the National Credit Framework notified by it and as specified in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The guidelines will be available in the public domain next week and feedback will be sought, as indicated in the officials.
UGC Certificate Course Structure, Credits, Fees
According to the draft guidelines, a short-term course for skill development in any direction should consist of a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 30 credits. A student can earn one credit for 15 hours of theory, which amounts to one hour per week, and one credit for 30 hours of practical or skills training, spread over two hours per week.
The guidelines also specify that a maximum of 60 places will be offered to students per course, with a minimum student-faculty ratio of 1:30.
Additionally, universities can design the certificate course with a skill component of up to 70 percent. According to News by Career360, the document states: “The skills component includes practical classes in laboratories, workshops, industrial buildings and any other form of hands-on training within the HEI's service area.”
Students must register on the ABC platform as obtaining an Academic Bank of Credit identification card has been made mandatory for admission to courses starting in 2023.
Skills Development Center
The UGC further recommends that universities use their funds to set up a center for skill development courses. The center will be responsible for maintaining a profile of skills requirements for the region's local industry and local employment, and will provide data support for these courses.
The centre's performance will be inspected every three years by an external committee comprising the vice-chancellor or director, the guidelines said.