Micro-credentials in Indian Higher Education Institutions

Micro-credentials in Indian Higher Education Institutions

India’s higher education landscape is poised for a transformative shift with the University Grants Commission (UGC) introducing guidelines to integrate skill-based courses and microcredentials into the academic framework of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). This move, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to bridge the gap between conventional academics and the dynamic demands of the job market.

The Vision Behind Micro-credentials

Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, UGC Chairman, emphasizes that these guidelines represent a critical step in equipping students with industry-relevant skills while fostering academic growth. According to him, India’s demographic dividend, characterized by its youthful population, holds immense potential for economic and global leadership. To unlock this potential, higher education must be evolved to meet the changing needs of industries and society.

Microcredentials, as envisioned by the UGC, are short, targeted learning modules designed to enhance employability, upskill, or reskill learners in specialized fields. By incorporating these courses, HEIs can expose students to emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital marketing, sustainable practices, and more.

A Comprehensive Framework

The proposed guidelines offer a structured approach to implementing skill-based education:

1. Flexible Credit Allocation:
   • For skill courses under the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF):
     • Theory: 1 credit = 15 hours
     • Practical: 1 credit = 30 hours
     • Experiential Learning: 1 credit = 40-45 hours
   • For courses aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF):
     • 1 credit = 30 hours, regardless of format.
2. Integration with Academic Curriculum:
   • Up to 50% of total credits can be earned through skill-based courses or microcredentials.
   • In Skill Universities, the skill component can constitute 60-70% of total credits with UGC approval.
3. Collaborative Learning:
   • Partnerships with industry associations such as FICCI, CII, and trade bodies will facilitate internships, skill-based projects, and experiential learning opportunities.
4. Industry Participation:
   • Indian enterprises and multinational companies can apply to the UGC for course approvals, ensuring alignment with global industry standards.

The Potential of Microcredentials

Microcredentials offer a unique opportunity to revolutionize higher education in India by:

• Enhancing Employability: Courses focus on practical skills in high-demand areas like logistics, digital payments, and conflict resolution.
• Promoting Lifelong Learning: Short-term skilling, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives enable continuous personal and professional development.
• Fostering Innovation: Skill-based education prepares students to become innovators and leaders in a digitizing, environmentally conscious global economy.

Implementation and Oversight

HEIs wishing to offer skill-based courses or microcredentials must seek UGC approval or leverage platforms like SWAYAM Plus. Courses not approved for credit can still be offered as audit courses. Additionally, internships and project work tied to skill development will be credited when they meet defined learning outcomes and are assessed in collaboration with industry partners.

A Paradigm Shift in Indian Education

The integration of microcredentials into higher education marks a significant step toward a more inclusive, skill-focused, and adaptable academic ecosystem. By blending academic knowledge with practical expertise, these initiatives aim to empower students to excel as professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators, ensuring their readiness for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.

This pioneering effort underscores the commitment to transform India’s HEIs into hubs of holistic, future-ready education—where students graduate not just with degrees but with skills that set them apart in the competitive world.

Dr. Mendus Jacob

Dr. Mendus Jacob, is the CEO of ipsr solutions limited and Professor & Director of the MCA Programme at Marian College, Kuttikkanam (Autonomous), with over 35 years of experience as an academician and entrepreneur. He is the former Director of School of Applicable Mathematics, M. G. University, Kerala. A Ph.D. in Operations Research with numerous publications, he has served on academic bodies of universities and autonomous institutions, produced Ph.D.s, and been a sought-after resource person for global conferences and faculty development programmes. An expert in NEP, Outcome Based Education, and Accreditation, he has mentored prestigious universities and trained over 40,000 faculty members nationwide on OBE implementation.