By Dr Satish Modh.
India’s higher education system is finally shifting gears, moving beyond scorecards and chasing a culture of real, all-round growth. With policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the system is forced to step out of the confined walls of classrooms and embrace flexibility, multidisciplinary and stronger employment outcomes. Yet the gap between what students learn and what the workplace expects continues to persist. Graduates possess conceptual strength but often lack readiness for the dynamic and the need to adapt according to the nature of real work environments.
The National Education Policy (NEP 2020) recognised this challenge and introduced a more convergent vision for learning, where knowledge and skills work together instead of existing in separate silos; “Apprenticeship-embedded degrees” Instead of occasional internships or observational visits. These programmes integrate structured, supervised work experience as a formal, credit-bearing requirement. Students do not merely “expose themselves to industry” but participate in outcome-driven, hands-on roles while earning a stipend and navigating real responsibilities. This combination of academic learning and corporate experience will change the educational experience. A Policy Landscape Designed for Scale
India’s policy ecosystem has evolved to champion apprenticeship-embedded degrees, starting with foundational legislation and scaling through targeted schemes. The Apprentices Act, 1961, originally focused on trade apprenticeships but was amended in recent years to include graduate and technical roles with minimum stipends. , mandating proficiency tests and employer obligations like minimum stipends. Building on this, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), introduced in 2016 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), reimburses employers up to 25% of apprentice stipends and shares basic training costs, aiming to scale apprenticeships from 2.3 lakh to 50 lakh annually.Developing Youth Employability
When theory and practice merge in this way, education gains both relevance and vitality. Engineering students learn to design in real production settings, commerce students learn business processes, and arts students who work with communities all learn to connect classroom knowledge with tangible outcomes. This experiential learning strengthens understanding and builds essential professional skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The growing youth population in India has a double-sided challenge. While it churns out millions of graduates every year, it also has nearly two-thirds of them grappling with employability issues. This gap is bridged by the apprenticeship degrees, which enhance this aspect in college itself. These students emerge with experience and increase their employability.
Universities at the Centre of the Shift
Such a transformation will face resistance from faculties, colleges and even students. Without strong institutional support and faculty capacity-building, even the best-intentioned programs may falter. This calls for a cultural shift in academia to view industry not as an outsider but as a partner in the educational mission. Building such programs requires close collaboration with industry partners, clarity in defining learning outcomes, and mechanisms to evaluate workplace performance alongside academic achievement
For faculty members, however, this shift is both transformative and challenging. Faculty members who are accustomed to fixed syllabi and classroom-based evaluation may struggle to design curricula that combine academic rigor with practical learning. Many faculty members will need training to adapt to their evolving role as facilitators and mentors rather than traditional lecturers.
Universities also need to overcome logistical hurdles, aligning academic calendars with industry cycles, ensuring consistent quality across apprenticeship sites, and maintaining academic standards. Some students may perceive apprenticeships as burdensome or less prestigious than traditional academic pathways. The idea of spending time in factories, offices, or community organisations, rather than exclusively in classrooms, may seem unappealing. Others may fear that working during studies will dilute academic rigour or limit campus experiences. These concerns are understandable, given the long-standing cultural emphasis on theoretical education as a marker of status and intellect.
Therefore, the universities and faculties need to communicate the real value of apprenticeship-embedded degrees. Exposure to real-world environments equips them with confidence, purpose, and a deep understanding of how knowledge operates in practice.
Building a Strong National Ecosystem
For apprenticeship-embedded degrees to reach their full potential, India must focus on quality and scalability. Industry participation varies across regions and sectors, and small enterprises often need additional support to host apprentices effectively. Ensuring student safety, fair stipends and grievance redressal remains essential. Technology can accelerate these solutions. AI-enabled matching can help students find suitable opportunities. Blockchain-based credential verification can streamline hiring. Data analytics can help universities and employers track learning outcomes and workplace performance. International collaborations can offer insights into quality assurance systems and employer engagement practices. By proactively addressing these challenges, India can build an ecosystem that supports millions of apprentices annually, strengthening both education and industry.
Many students, especially from rural or low-income backgrounds, hesitate to pursue long academic programs due to cost and uncertainty about employment. A system that allows them to “earn while they learn” makes higher education both accessible and aspirational. It reduces financial pressure while giving students early exposure to workplace discipline, thereby enhancing their employability and confidence.
A Future Built on Convergence
Apprenticeship-embedded degrees align India with a global shift toward integrated learning, where skills, academic knowledge and practical experience form a unified educational journey. They support the Sustainable Development Goals by pairing quality education with access to decent work. They prepare students for careers shaped by automation, sustainability transitions, digital manufacturing and emerging technologies.
By 2030, this model has the potential to close nearly half of India’s employability gap and contribute significantly to the country’s goal of becoming a five trillion-dollar economy. More importantly, it builds a workforce that is confident, adaptable and ready for the demands of the contemporary world.
The author Dr Satish Modh is the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETEDUCATION does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETEDUCATION will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.
