UGC Approves Guidelines on Short-term Skill Courses on Yogic Sciences, AI, ML, Data Science

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) aims to merge practical skills into higher education by introducing short-term, job-oriented courses for Class 12 graduates. 

Recently, the UGC sanctioned the "Guidelines for the Introduction of Short-Term Skill Development Courses in Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs)." The course duration is three to six months and offers certificates of completion.

Under these guidelines, universities and colleges can partner with industry skill councils for placements, funding, updated content, and training aligned with industry needs. These courses are meant to be self-sustaining, allowing institutions to set policies. Emerging technology courses like artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, IoT, data science, cloud computing, virtual reality, cybersecurity, 5G, and industrial automation are suggested. 

Also Read: List of UGC Approved Education Colleges in India Based on 2023 Ranking

A "Yogic Sciences" program is also part of the recommended short-term courses.

The UGC plans to seek public input on these guidelines. Each skill course will carry a minimum of 12 credits, emphasizing practical learning. These courses will also offer employment prospects and internships upon completion, focusing on skill development.

UGC certificate course structure, fee, credits

Each university course aligns with the National Credit Framework, where one credit equals 15 hours of theory weekly or 30 hours of practical learning biweekly. Draft guidelines propose short-term courses with 12 to 30 credits, offering a maximum of 60 seats per course, maintaining a 1:30 student-faculty ratio. 

Curricula must balance general and skill components, allowing universities to structure courses with up to 70% skill focus, including hands-on training. Students need an Academic Bank of Credit ID for 2023 admissions and must register on the ABC platform. Institutions can set fees and refund policies, mandatorily disclosed on their official sites.

Skill development center

The UGC proposes establishing a self-funded skill development center to facilitate infrastructure for courses. This center will curate local job profiles, and regional industry needs, and provide course-related data. Details like course names, seats, criteria, structure, fees, student info, and certifications must be disclosed on the university website. 

The center oversees course creation, delivery, and adoption. It advises forming an advisory committee comprising the VC/principal, industry experts, awarding body CEOs, and others. Audits by external committees, appointed every three years by the VC/principal, will evaluate the center's performance as per the guidelines.

Also Read:

• UGC suggests 1 year PG programme, freedom to pick subject of choice

• UGC asks universities to promote 'People's Choice Campaign’, to encourage students’ participation

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