New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a scheme on skill development based higher education as part of college/university education, leading to Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) Degree. This degree course will have multiple exit options such as Diploma/Advanced Diploma under the NSQF. The B.Voc. programme is focussed on universities and colleges providing undergraduate studies which would also incorporate specific job roles and their National Occupational Standards (NOSS) along with broad based general education.

The UGC in its notification mentioned that Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.), is a recognized  Bachelor level degree specified by UGC under section 22(3) of UGC Act, 1956 and notified in official Gazefte of India dated 19th January, 2013. Also the UGC made it clear that it could be recognised at par with the other Bachelor level degrees for competitive exams conducted by Union/State Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission or other such bodies where the eligibility criteria is “Bachelor Degree in any discipline”.

Further, students with B.Voc. Degree should be considered eligible for the transdisciplinary vertical mobility into such courses where entry qualification is a Bachelor Degree without specific requirement in a particular discipline.

The three year degree programme will have 40% general education and 60% vocational education components. As this degree course has multiple exit options, students can exit after one year with a Diploma; after two years with an Advance Diploma; and after three years with a B VoC degree. Credit and semester system mandatory ingredients of the scheme.

This course is expected to reduce the current skills exist in the industry and foster closer relationship between academics and industry.