Micro-credentials create job-ready graduates: Report

The micro-credentials are a certification of assessed learning that is additional, alternate, complementary or a formal component of a formal qualification

Hyderabad: India is leading the global shift toward skill-based education with 95 per cent of higher education leaders in the country agreeing that micro-credentials strengthen students’ career outcomes, according to Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2024 – India Edition.

The micro-credentials are a certification of assessed learning that is additional, alternate, complementary or a formal component of a formal qualification. They ensure undergraduate students and adult learners are equipped with industry-specific skills that they need for employability and advancement.

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According to the report, over half (52 per cent) of the Indian institutions offering micro-credentials now provide them for academic credit, and 94 per cent plan to do so within the next five years. This trend is supported by the National Credit Framework (NCrF) under new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which enables students to earn transferable credits for both academic studies and skill-based learning.

Based on insights from a survey of over 180 higher education leaders in India, part of a global study of over 1,000 leaders across more than 850 institutions, the report highlighted the transformative impact of micro-credentials. These credentials are key to enhancing student satisfaction, strengthening institutional reputation, and driving enrollment and retention.

As per the survey, 88 per cent of Indian leaders—exceeding the global average of 75 per cent—believed students are more likely to enroll in programs offering academic credit for industry-recognized credentials. Additionally, 9 in 10 Indian leaders agree that micro-credentials improve student engagement and satisfaction while positioning their institutions as innovators in higher education.

“Feedback from students, employers, and higher education institutions highlights the growing importance of micro-credentials in aligning university education with employer needs and fostering strong employment outcomes,” said Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia Pacific, Coursera.

Earlier this year, 10 professional certificates from Google and IBM achieved the National Skills Qualification Framework alignment on Coursera.