Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30: In a strategic initiative to bring education in line with industry requirements, the Government of Maharashtra has made it compulsory to introduce the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) in non-agricultural universities from academic year 2025–26. The policy, endorsed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), seeks to prepare students for employment by linking practical experience with classroom learning.
📘 Can HEIs convert existing programmes into AEDP?
✅ Yes, Higher Education Institutions can convert their ongoing programmes into the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme and admit students accordingly.
📖 Read the guidelines: https://t.co/tesyqf4fJg
Stay tuned for more… pic.twitter.com/Y8z6WUEqRC
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) April 30, 2025
According to the newly released Government Resolution (GR), every state university will now have the wonderful opportunity to admit at least 300 students under the AEDP. This initiative aims to encourage universities to collaborate with industry partners, drawing on valuable input from skills councils, training boards, and business sectors.
Together, they will co-create courses that include hands-on training, specialised modules for various sectors, and rewarding credit-bearing apprenticeships.
The AEDP course will confer 20 to 22 credits each semester, systematically integrating major and minor courses, skill development initiatives, and general electives within a multidisciplinary framework. In contrast to short-term internships, the AEDP program emphasizes extended industry exposure throughout the entirety of the degree program.
“AEDP closes the employability gap by bridging theory and practice,” declared a Higher and Technical Education Department official. Spectrum Talent Management and others have already made their firm backing known, focusing on industry-driven education models.
This bold change thoughtfully aligns with India’s inspiring Skill Development Mission, highlighting the importance of discipline, focus, clarity, and real-world consistency. As universities prepare to launch their AEDP programs in June 2025, it marks a significant step towards cultivating graduates who are in tune with the evolving demands of today’s workforce. Through the implementation of AEDP in Maharashtra, the state establishes itself as a pioneer in academic innovation, where a degree embodies not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise in action.
