Nodal Officer
Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs) are a forward-thinking approach to undergraduate education, designed to combine academic learning with practical, paid industry experience. These programmes aim to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in theory but also possess the practical skills necessary for the workforce.
Unlike traditional undergraduate courses such as B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., or BBA, AEDPs maintain the core academic structure—about 70-80% of the curriculum—while introducing an additional 20-30% of specialized skill-based training. This training is tailored to specific sectors such as retail, logistics, banking and finance, healthcare, and hospitality, among others. AEDPs are fully compliant with the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the degrees earned are considered equivalent to other undergraduate qualifications, ensuring they hold value for further academic pursuits or competitive exams.
In these programmes, students are enrolled in apprenticeships, where they spend time working in real-world industry environments. Under a formal apprenticeship contract, they receive a stipend, usually based on set wage standards. The curriculum is structured to include a mix of core academic subjects, general education, and industry-specific skill development. Sector Skill Councils play a key role in shaping these skill courses by designing them, providing training for the faculty, facilitating apprenticeships, and conducting evaluations of student progress. This model provides students with the opportunity to "earn and grow while they learn," allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.
Moreover, students gain essential industry-specific competencies that directly enhance their employability, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. The hands-on experience in the field also positions them to pursue advanced degrees or other postgraduate studies, with a solid foundation of both theoretical and applied knowledge. This hybrid educational model not only prepares students for immediate employment but also enables them to build long-term career pathways, bridging the gap between academic education and industry needs.
The integration of apprenticeship into these degree programmes addresses a critical gap in the current educational landscape—aligning the skills taught in universities with the competencies demanded by industries. It strengthens the connection between education and the workforce, ultimately enhancing the employability of graduates. This approach is fully in line with the broader objectives of the NEP 2020, which seeks to create a more flexible, holistic, and industry-relevant educational ecosystem.