Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 3: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked universities and colleges to reapply for offering vocational courses to students under its revised guidelines.
The applications should reach the UGC office by May 29.Colleges and universities that are close to industry partners and can address the job needs of the region will be given top priority. The institutions will be allowed to run two courses in the beginning and this can be later expanded to more courses under the scheme, according to the guidelines.
The institutions can offer courses ranging from bachelor’s degrees in renewably energy management and retail management to retail management and Information technology. They can offer advanced diplomas in food processing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism and diplomas in greenhouse technology, business process outsourcing and jewellery designing.
An advisory committee that will be set up for the effective implementation of the courses will include representatives of the affiliating university, relevant industries, relevant sector skills councils, and a nodal officer of the scheme.
The curriculum in each of the years of the programme would be a mix of general education and skill development components.
The general education component would adhere to the normal university standard, while the skill development component shall be employment-oriented.
The commission recommended a 10-point grading system where grade point 10 will be considered outstanding (O) , 9 excellent (A+), 8 very good (A), 7 good (B+), 6 above average (B), 5 average (C), 4 pass (P) and 0 fail (F) or absent (Ab).
