UGC Introduces Mandatory Apprenticeship for Undergraduate Students from 2025-26

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released its first-ever apprenticeship guidelines, making it mandatory for all undergraduate students to undergo apprenticeship training from the academic session 2025-26. This initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to enhance students' employability, bridge the gap between academia and industry, and address skill shortages.

New Apprenticeship Guidelines

Under the revised framework, students enrolled in three-year undergraduate degree programs must complete apprenticeship training spanning one to three semesters. Meanwhile, students pursuing a four-year degree will be required to undergo apprenticeship training for two to four semesters. Additionally, students will earn 10 credit scores upon completing a three-month apprenticeship. This initiative is designed to improve job opportunities and better prepare students for industry demands.

Institutions' Registration Process

Higher education institutions will determine the number of apprenticeship seats based on the available industry facilities. To facilitate this process, institutions must register directly on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Moreover, students undergoing apprenticeship training will receive a stipend, funded by both the industry and the central government.

Marksheet to Include Apprenticeship and Credit Details

According to the new guidelines, institutions must mention apprenticeship details and earned credit scores on students' marksheets. While apprenticeship training will not be conducted in the first semester, it will be compulsory in the final semester to ensure that students gain practical experience before completing their degrees.

Significance of Industry-Linked Education

The primary objective of this initiative is to equip students with hands-on industry experience, making them job-ready. Institutions will allocate apprenticeship seats based on their available resources and industry partnerships. Additionally, financial support in the form of stipends from the central government and industry partners will ensure that students receive monetary assistance during their apprenticeship tenure.

This move is expected to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, enhance skill development, and improve employment prospects for graduates. The UGC's initiative marks a significant step toward integrating practical learning with academic education, ultimately benefiting both students and the industry.