UGC rolls out guidelines for introduction of skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher educational institutions

The guidelines approved by the UGC in the Commission meeting held on November 13, 2024, will enable the HEIs to offer skill-based courses or micro-credentials in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital marketing, Literary Journalism as part of UG and PG curricular structure.

Hyderabad: In a move to equip students with practical and industry-relevant skills thereby increasing their employability quotient, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has rolled out guidelines for introduction of skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher educational institutions (HEIs).

The guidelines approved by the UGC in the Commission meeting held on November 13, 2024, will enable the HEIs to offer skill-based courses or micro-credentials in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital marketing, Literary Journalism as part of UG and PG curricular structure.

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“These guidelines aim to address the job market’s changing demands and prepare India’s youth to become key contributors to a globally competitive knowledge economy,” UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar said on Wednesday.

According to the UGC, the skill-based courses or micro-credentials, may be NHEQF (National Higher Education Qualifications Framework) or NSQF (National Skills Qualification Framework) aligned and integrated as part of the curricular structure of the UG/PG programme. They can also be offered as standalone additional courses with credits.

However, skill-based courses/micro-credentials credit courses offered by leading Indian enterprises/ Indian enterprises of repute, multinational companies, including original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers and value-added resellers require the UGC approval. Also all NHEQF aligned skill-based courses/micro-credentials credit courses where the skill component is 50 percent or more require prior nod.

As per the guidelines, a skill-based course may have components of learning – lectures, theory or assignments and/or practical, hands-on skill training or skilling and/or internship, project work and/or apprenticeship or shop-floor training and/or, on the job training, mandatory assessments and credit assignment and transfer to academic bank of credits.

The UGC will soon constitute a Standing Skill Course Approval Committee (SSC-AC), which will examine and evaluate proposals of skill-based courses or micro-credentials.

By integrating the skill courses into the existing educational curriculum, the HEIs can offer students exposure to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, conflict resolution and mediation, digital advocacy and campaigning, sustainable agriculture, digital payments and banking, and e-commerce and sustainable practices, the UGC Chief said.

“Acquiring skills in these and related fields will provide enhanced opportunities to our students to either self-employed or seize the new job opportunities emerging in a rapidly digitising and environmentally conscious global economy,” he added.