Mumbai University Students to Earn Credits via Government Skill Courses

Mumbai, 13th February 2025: Mumbai University students can now earn credits by enrolling in skill courses provided by the Maharashtra Government’s Skill Education Department.

The state’s Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation has signed an MoU with Mumbai University, allowing the ‘Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centres’ to offer Skill-Credit courses to students.

Under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Skill Credit Points enable students to accumulate the necessary credits for graduation by selecting courses based on their interests.

Last year, the Skill Development Department established Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centres in 1,000 colleges across Maharashtra. These centres aim to provide skill-based training alongside traditional academic programs. While primarily targeting college students, the initiative is open to individuals aged 15 to 45. Each approved centre is expected to offer free training to approximately 150 youths annually, with an overall goal of training 1,50,000 individuals per year in market-driven skills.

Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, explained that students previously received industry-recognized completion certificates for these courses. However, with the introduction of Skill Credit Points, they now have the additional benefit of earning academic credits while completing their training.

Lodha highlighted that this agreement initially applies to over 200 colleges and marks the beginning of similar collaborations with other government universities across Maharashtra. This ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that contribute to their overall academic progress.

“The NEP places a strong emphasis on vocational education,” Lodha added. “Through the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centres, students will have access to programs aligned with industry demands. Supported by the Pramod Mahajan Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, this initiative will enhance employment opportunities and promote self-sufficiency among students.”