Short-Term Skill Development Certificate Courses Will Be Of 3-6 Months, 12th Pass Can Apply: UGC Chairman

UGC has approved the "Guidelines for the Introduction of Short-Term Skill Development Courses in Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs)

UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar (File Photo)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the "Guidelines for the Introduction of Short-Term Skill Development Courses in Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs)". UGC will soon release the draft for public feedback. According to UGC, anyone who has passed the 10+2/Senior Secondary Examination or its equivalent and is eligible for admission to any undergraduate programme of the HEI.

While talking to ABP Live, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said, "The HEI shall offer credit-linked short-term skill development certificate courses of 3-6 months. The HEI shall use a credit mechanism to design the course structure. A short-term skill development course in any stream shall be at least 12 credits and a maximum of 30 credits."

"The short-term skill development course must have a greater focus on practical learning. The HEIs may develop a plan to facilitate employment opportunities and internships for the successful students completing the short-term skill development course. The HEI may collaborate with the relevant Sector Skills Councils/Awarding Bodies and industries to gain credibility, access to placement opportunities, funding schemes and training, and ensure up-to-date course content," said UGC Chairman.

Focus Area Of Courses

The HEI may consider offering short-term skill development courses from the broad areas as mentioned below:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
2. Robotics
3. IoT (Internet of Things), Industrial IoT, Smart Cities
4. Data Science and Analytics
5. Cloud Computing
6. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR)
7. Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
8. 5G Connectivity
9. Digital Fluency, Digital Transformation
10. Industrial Automation, Robotics Process Automation (RPA)
11. Electronic System Designs, VLSI Designs
12. Electronic Manufacturing
13. Basic Coding in Computing Languages
14. Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
15. Mechanical Tooling, Mechatronics
16. Architectural Drafting, Basic 3D Design
17. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
18. 3D Printing
19. Electrician/Electrical & Electronics
20. Mobile Communication, Mobile Repairing, Basics of DTH Installation
21. Digital Marketing: SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, E-commerce Management
22. Health and Wellness: Mental Health Counselling, Nutrition, Fitness Training
23. Financial Technology (FinTech): Digital Payments, Blockchain, Financial Regulations
24. Fashion Technology, Fashion Design, Stitching, etc.
25. Yogic Sciences
26. Soft Skills: Effective Communication, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Creative Thinking, Innovation, Design Thinking, Computational Thinking, Virtual Collaboration, Cross-cultural Competency, New Media Literacy, Team Building, etc.
27. Basics of Start-ups and Entrepreneurship: Leadership, Project Planning, Management, Event Management, Marketing, Financing, Entrepreneurship, etc.
28. Skill courses based on Union or State Government skill gap studies, corporate reports, advisory and industry bodies like CII, FII, NASSCOM, among others.
29. Courses offered by Sector Skill Councils aligning with National Occupational Standards for various industries. Refer to https://www.msde.gov.in/en/organizations/ssc for details.

Fee From Students

The HEI must declare the fee for the courses and also fee refund policy by the nature and duration of the course, which is to be charged from the student. This must be displayed on the HEI's website.

Placement Assistance:

1. The HEIs may develop a plan to facilitate employment opportunities and internships for the successful students completing the short-term skill development course.

2. The HEI may collaborate with the relevant Sector Skill Councils/Awarding Bodies and industries to gain credibility, access to placement opportunities, funding schemes and training, and ensure up-to-date course content.