JOIN USUniversities and colleges will be able to offer a new set of undergraduate programmes in arts, science and commerce streams, which will provide 1,000 hours of additional courses on "soft skills" and information communication technology to enhance employability of graduates.
The upcoming undergraduate programmes are to be named as BA-Professional, BSc-Professional and BCom-Professional courses.
Students clearing their Class XII board examinations will be eligible for admission to the programmes based on their scorecards and other criteria to be notified by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The proposed courses are likely to be introduced from next academic session.
"We are working on it," Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters on Monday while addressing a press conference.
He noted that the students, who take admission in traditional BA, BSc and BCom programmes, face difficulties in getting jobs as the curriculum of these courses do not offer professional skills that they must acquire by the time they graduate.
"Introduction of the BA-Professional, BSc-Professional and BCom-Professional courses will enhance the employability of the graduates," he said.
Out of the 1,000 hours of additional courseware to be earmarked for the proposed undergradute programmes, 250 hours will be earmarked for equipping students with soft skills and another 250 hours for lessons on ICT, the minister said.
He, however, did not elaborate further on the move. It also remained unclear if the introduction of the new courses will replace the existing vocational undergradute programmes (BVoc) offered by various universities and colleges in the country.
"We will share the details once it is given a final shape," the minister said.