Mumbai University to launch skill-integrated UG courses from next year
In a major academic shift aimed at boosting student employability, Mumbai University (MU) is likely to roll out skill-integrated undergraduate programs — BA, B.Com, and B.Sc — from the next academic year. The move is aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines that advocate industry-oriented learning to address sector-specific skill gaps.
As per UGC guidelines in this regard, 50 percent of the total credits in these degree programs will be allotted to core academic subjects, while the remaining 50 percent will be dedicated to short-term, skill-based courses. These industry-aligned modules are intended to train students in fields such as real estate, insurance, and marketing — areas where dedicated academic training is currently lacking.
'There are several emerging industries with growing demand for trained manpower, but no corresponding courses in higher education,' said M Jagadesh Kumar, former UGC Chairperson, speaking in Mumbai on Saturday. 'The UGC has formed a committee to identify such gaps. With the support of industry partners, we aim to create hybrid-mode short-term courses to offer credits to students. Universities too are encouraged to create such courses meeting local industry requirements.'
MU officials confirmed that groundwork laid to begin offering these revamped programs from the 2025-26 academic year onwards. The shift is expected to mark a significant overhaul of the traditional undergraduate education structure.
Additionally, universities are encouraged to offer a new model combining academics and hands-on industry experience. Under this, students will spend two years on campus and two years apprenticing with industry partners. 'For instance, a BA Journalism student will study theory for two years and work in a media house for the next two, with the industry also involved in their evaluation,' Kumar explained. He emphasised that such students will have an edge over others when they enter the job market. 'They will already have an understanding of the industry with their experience of two years,' he said.
Kumar was in the city for the western zone conference of VIKAS 2025 — a national initiative promoting industry-academia collaboration as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Representatives of various universities and affiliated colleges in Maharashtra were present to attend this conference.
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