Mumbai University Launches 20 Industry-Integrated Degree Programs Under State’s New AEDP Scheme
Mumbai: The University of Mumbai (MU) on Thursday announced it will launch 20 undergraduate Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) from the academic year 2025-26.
The programs, to be offered through the university’s Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, will include apprenticeship training in collaboration with industry partners. The move follows the Maharashtra government’s recent approval to implement AEDP across all non-agricultural public universities and eligible affiliated colleges, in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
A government resolution issued by the Higher and Technical Education Department earlier in April had directed universities to commence the rollout of AEDP programs from 2025-26 and to enroll a minimum of 300 students in the first year.
MU’s AEDP offerings include a wide array of industry-oriented programs such as B.Sc. in Paint Technology, Fitness, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Aeronautics, and Biomedical Instrumentation Science; Bachelor’s in Interior Design; BA in Advertising, Communication and Design; and several BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) specialisations including Customs Clearance and Logistics, Travel and Tourism Management, Capital Markets, and Event Management and Public Relations.
Each of these programs will be delivered in partnership with reputed industrial and professional bodies, and will include mandatory apprenticeship training. Students in three-year degree programs will complete at least one semester (20 credits) of apprenticeship, while those in four-year courses will undergo two semesters (40 credits) of on-the-job training. Participants will also receive stipends during their apprenticeships, and academic credits will be awarded under the NEP 2020’s credit framework.
The state government has emphasised that AEDP aims to provide “industry-aligned, skill-based education to increase employment opportunities for students” and reduce the disconnect between theoretical instruction and workplace realities. The decision followed deliberations by the state-level steering committee and a workshop held on April 16.
To support the new programs, MU said it has already signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education’s Board of Apprenticeship Training – Western Region (BOAT-WZ) and has entered into partnerships with several national and state-level industry bodies.
Commenting on the development, MU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, said, “The Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) is a transformative initiative in Indian higher education in line with the National Education Policy. Students will gain real-world industry experience as part of their curriculum, which will significantly enhance their employability. This is a forward-looking step aimed at creating a skilled and job-ready youth population.”
MU is among the first in the state to act on the government directive, setting a precedent for other public universities and affiliated colleges to follow suit as the new academic year approaches.
news