AEDP Explained: Which Colleges Can Offer Apprenticeship Degrees in 2025?
Formfees
12/04/2025
(Top 200 NIRF or NAAC ‘A’ Grade Required – Here’s the Complete Eligibility List)
The UGC’s revolutionary Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) is transforming higher education – but not all colleges can offer it. Here’s the definitive guide to which institutions qualify and what it means for students.
Breaking: Only 37% of India’s 1,100 universities currently meet AEDP eligibility criteria
Contents
Who Can Offer AEDP? The 2-Point Checklist
1. NIRF Top 200 Club
- Must be ranked in Top 200 in latest NIRF University rankings
- Example Qualifiers:
- Delhi University (Rank 13)
- Jadavpur University (Rank 14)
- AMU (Rank 19)
2. NAAC Accreditation
- Minimum ‘A’ grade (3.01+ score)
- Or Basic NAAC accreditation + UGC special approval
- Example Qualifiers:
- Christ University (3.89)
- Manipal Academy (3.65)
- Symbiosis Pune (3.58)
Check your college: NIRF Rankings | NAAC Portal
Key Features of AEDP Programs
(How They Differ From Regular Degrees)
| Aspect | Regular Degree | AEDP Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 years | Same + 6-12 months apprenticeship |
| Credits | Academic only | 50% academic, 50% on-job training |
| Cost | Tuition fees | Tuition + possible stipend |
| Outcome | Degree certificate | Degree + apprenticeship certification |
Note: Apprenticeships can start as early as 2nd semester
State-Wise Distribution of Eligible Colleges
(Based on 2024 Data)
| State | Eligible Universities | Top Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 28 | Madras University, Anna University |
| Maharashtra | 22 | Mumbai University, Savitribai Phule Pune |
| Karnataka | 18 | Bangalore University, Mangalore University |
| Delhi | 12 | DU, JNU, Jamia Millia |
Surprise: Rajasthan has only 7 eligible universities despite having 80+ degree colleges
3 Reasons This Matters For Students
Earn While You Learn
- Stipends range from ₹8,000-15,000/month during apprenticeship
Better Placements
- AEDP graduates see 40% higher hiring rates
Global Recognition
- Programs align with EU/US work-study models
Red Flags to Watch For
- Colleges claiming AEDP without UGC approval
- Programs with less than 500 apprenticeship hours
- Institutions without proper industry tie-ups
Verify your college’s status: UGC AEDP Portal
2025 Admission Timeline
- June: UGC to release updated eligible college list
- July: Applications open for AEDP programs
- August: Apprenticeship matching begins
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Also Read:
“College Just Got Real!UGC New Degree Forces Students to Work 6 Months Before Graduation
UGC AEDP 2025: Earn a Degree with Paid Apprenticeships New Guidelines Released
