UGC Greenlights Short-Term Skill Development Courses for Higher Education Institutes

The UGC has urged universities and colleges to offer short-term skill courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics, IoT (Internet of Things), etc.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given its nod to the 'Guidelines for Implementing Short-Term Skill Development Courses in Higher Educational Institutes'. These short term courses aim to enhance students' practical knowledge and are available alongside their enrollment in higher education institutes.

According to UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, "Individuals who have cleared the 10+2/Senior Secondary Examination or its equivalent, and are eligible for admission to any undergraduate program at the HEI, can enroll in these short-term skill development courses. These courses, ranging from 3 to 6 months, will be credit-linked and structured using a credit mechanism by the institute."

The UGC has also suggested for collaboration with relevant Sector Skills Councils/Awarding Bodies and industries to ensure updated content, placement opportunities, funding schemes, and course credibility.

Prof Kumar further stated, "Each skill development course in any field should comprise a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 30 credits. The emphasis of these short-term courses should be on practical learning. HEIs are encouraged to strategize for employment opportunities and internships for students who successfully complete these courses. Collaboration with relevant Sector Skills Councils/Awarding Bodies and industries is also recommended to ensure updated content, placement opportunities, funding schemes, and course credibility."

The UGC has urged higher educational institutions to offer short-term skill development courses encompassing diverse areas like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics, IoT (Internet of Things)/ Industrial IoT/Smart Cities, Data Science and Analytics, Cloud Computing, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Extended Reality, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, and 5G Connectivity, among others.

Furthermore, the HEIs are tasked with disclosing the fee structure and refund policy aligned with the course's nature and duration, to be charged from the students.

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