NEW DELHI: In an exciting new development, five prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology have teamed up with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to provide students with a range of diploma, bachelor's and master's degree courses from next academic year onwards.
Five respected Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) namely Ropar, Guwahati, Mandi, Patna and Kanpur have taken a groundbreaking step to expand their educational boundaries. They are extending an invitation to students from colleges located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which enables interested individuals to study for minor specializations or earn diplomas or degrees at bachelors' as well as master's level will commence during the academic year 2024-25 offering participants valuable IIT credentials.
With the aid of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas schemes and Skill India Digital platform, this endeavour offers opportunities to people looking for brief skill-based programs. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC pointed out that IITs are now accessible to candidates pursuing certificates or diplomas by means of skilling courses as well as Industrial Training Institute (ITI) classes.
The minor specializations offered by IIT are based on a credit system and require completion of courses worth 10 to 18 credits. These specialize minors are recognized, while the main degree is conferred upon by the affiliated university. To obtain an undergraduate degree spanning four years in duration, students must attain a total of 160 credits inclusive of Skill India Digital's proposed addition- an extra component with skill-based subjects amounting to eighteen credits.
The Executive MTech programs require a total of 62 credits, out of which 12 credits are allocated for the skill component taught on NSDC's SID portal. A joint venture between IIT-Patna, NSDC and Teamlease has launched a Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) program that spans over three years and entails earning 155 credit points. While IIT-Patna furnishes comprehensive academic instruction worth up to146 credit hours, NSDC provides nine credit hours through their skills-oriented curriculum.
Consistent with the National Education Policy (NEP), these programs provide numerous opportunities for entry and exit, enabling students to acquire certificates at different intervals. Tiwari accentuated that there are no restrictions on admission for online courses; however, candidates must complete entrance examinations as a prerequisite.
Given the shift towards online learning, these endeavors aim to make IIT education more accessible and inclusive by eliminating geographical limitations and providing opportunities for a wider range of students eager to improve their abilities and qualifications. By making this pioneering move towards inclusivity, the higher education landscape in India is set to undergo a significant transformation. This will result in the creation of a more diverse and highly skilled workforce, which bodes well for the future.
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