Government to Start AEDP Courses in 42 Colleges Across Karnataka

42 institutions in Karnataka plan to implement an apprenticeship-embedded degree programme (AEDP) to improve undergraduate students' career chances and prioritise learning based on results.

The scheme recently acquired state government approval and will begin in the academic year 2024-25, with each participating college hosting 40 to 60 pupils. The Mangaluru division, which includes three revenue districts, has chosen two institutions for the program: Dr P Dayananda Pai-P Satisha Pai Government First Grade College on Car Street and Government First Grade College in Karkala.

Deviprasad, the special officer at DCE, Mangaluru, and coordinator of the program at Car Street College, stated that admissions for the course have already begun and that interested students can enrol. Car Street College will offer a B.Com in banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI), while Karkala College will offer a B.Com logistics course. They will have intakes of 60 and 40, respectively. "We have already started the admission process for the same," he added.

The new undergraduate programs aim to close the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the labour market after graduation. By incorporating apprenticeship possibilities into the degree curriculum, the programme hopes to provide students with hands-on experience and industry exposure, increasing their employability, according to Deviprasad, who also stated that the course will include a mandatory apprenticeship.

"The apprenticeship will be provided in government-approved institutions where candidates will not only get hands-on learning, but will also receive a stipend of up to Rs 10,000 per month. At the end of the programme, the candidates will enter the industry with enough work experience," the source pointed out, adding that a detailed guideline for the programme will be issued soon.