UGC: The AEDP’s Transformative Approach to Skill-Based Education Enhances High Learning Institution’s Engagement”
Formfees
05/04/2025
The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued guidelines for the implementation ‘Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme” (AEDP) for practitioners and educators for higher education institutions integrating academic learning with vocational training. This is developed based on the objectives of NEP 2020 aimed at increasing employability, skill development and enhanced exposure for under graduate students.
Now, The AEDP model has become a reality and it strives to resolve the issues concerning what college education and industry ready skills.
UGC AEDP Guidelines (2024): Download PDF
Contents
Quick highlights of AEDP 2024 Guidelines
- Classroom Instruction with OJT: An Integrated Learning Model.
- Degree Programme Students’ Placement During Training: Industry Attachment.
- Applied Learning: Emphasis on real-world exposure through outcome-based education.
- Multiple pathways (Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree) aligned to NSQF Levels with Qualifications.
- Who can offer: All UGC recognized HEIs including general and Technical colleges.
What is AEDP?
The Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) is an innovative undergraduate degree model that integrates a vocational qualification within academic frameworks. It follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by providing skill and flexibility.
Students at AEDP will undergo a substantial portion of their coursework in real-world industry environments, allowing them to receive contemporaneous work experience while pursuing their formal education.
Why AEDP Matters: Benefits for Students and Institutions
Students
- Experience while still in school
- Ready-to-Use Skills for the workforce
- Increased Employment post-degree
- Accredited Qualification with an embedded apprenticeship
Institutions
- Enhanced Partnerships with industries
- Enhanced Employment Outcomes for graduates
- Ability to restate curriculum design
Who Can Offer AEDP?
Entities entitled to offer AEDP include:
- Higher Educational Institutions approved by UGC (Colleges and Universities)
- AICTE affiliated Technical Institutions
- Deemed and Autonomous Colleges
However, they are required to partner with industries or sector skill councils and fit the programs to NSQF levels (National Skills Qualifications Framework).
How to Structure AEDP
The structure of AEDP is split into different components providing multipple exits levels, three stages in total
How Will AEDP Be Structured?
The AEDP structure is divided into three stages, allowing multiple exits:
| Year | Credential Awarded | Training Component |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Undergraduate Certificate | Short-term vocational training |
| 2nd | Undergraduate Diploma | Industry internship + academics |
| 3rd | Full Degree (AEDP) | Apprenticeship + capstone project |
All programmes will be set up to enhance the portable and equivalent credit system of the country.
Implementation Timeline
- Guidelines Released: March 2024
- Strategic Objectives For Academic Year: From 2024-25 onwards
- EMTs can commence the approval services from the spring semester 2025
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Critical Considerations & Checks for Compliance
- Formal MoU Contracts with the selected industry partners have to be done.
- Send to the UGC for approval comprehensive structured detailed masterpieces of AEDP.
- Provide adequate qualified mentors/trainers for the practical components.
- Keep separate student registers on the credits earned through apprenticeship.
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