How govt wants to produce 80 million skilled Indian grads for global workforce by 2035 Premium

UGC guidelines aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enhancing employability through skill-based higher education programs.

In a major effort towards enhancing the employability of India’s youth, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a set of guidelines for embedding skill-based courses and micro-credentials into the higher education framework. Aimed at bridging the glaring gap between academic instruction and industry requirements, these changes have the potential to redefine the role of Indian universities in producing a future-ready workforce, especially amid the on-going massive technology shifts and changes.

While India’s huge youth population presents immense opportunities for taking the country’s economy to its next orbit of growth, the nation grapples with a mismatch between the skills imparted by traditional educational institutions, and those demanded by several sections of industry. This disconnect continues to contribute to a paradox: while employers cite skill shortages, a significant proportion of graduates remain underemployed.

It is here, the UGC’s guidelines propose an essential shift in pedagogical priorities, with a clear focus on fostering practical competencies. “These guidelines aim to equip students with industry-relevant skills, enabling them to achieve academic excellence while preparing them for the demands of a globally competitive knowledge economy,” remarked UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant, adaptable education system that prepares India’s youth for emerging opportunities,” the UGC Chairman added while unveiling the guidelines a few weeks back. The draft guidelines are open for public feedback to strengthen its implementation.

The UGC guidelines present a robust strategy to integrate vocational skills into higher education. They recommend:

Skill-based programs across academic levels: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as Universities and colleges will offer skill-oriented programs, including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and degree courses

Micro-credentials for flexibility:Short, modular courses focused on niche skills will allow students to acquire targeted expertise and stack credits toward broader qualifications.