Higher education institutions (HEIs) will soon have the freedom to introduce short-term, credit-linked skill development certificate courses of 3-6 months.
The self-financing courses may be offered to those who have qualified in the senior secondary exam (10+2) and are eligible for admission to any undergraduate programme of the institution. The University Grants Commission (UGC), at its meeting on December 7, approved the guidelines for the HEIs to start such courses. The draft will be published on its website for public comments.
As many as 29 courses have been included. The HEIs could offer courses, provided they have the infrastructure and training capacity. A short-term course in any stream shall be of at least 12 credits and a maximum of 30 credits, with greater focus on practical learning. The curriculum may be developed in consultation with the relevant sector skill councils or existing accredited bodies or institutions and industry partners. Candidates may take a maximum of two courses during their degree/diploma programmes. Institutions may have a say in how they conduct the theory classes, but the hands-on training must happen in an industry setting or workshop.
