Himachal Pradesh introduces apprenticeship-linked degree programs in 16 govt colleges

Himachal Pradesh will introduce apprenticeship-linked undergraduate degree courses across 16 government degree colleges from the 2026-27 academic session, giving students industry exposure alongside formal academic qualifications.

The Higher Education Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Northern Region), Kanpur (BOAT-NR) to implement the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs). Education Minister Rohit Thakur was present during the signing.

Thakur said the programs are designed to connect classroom learning with workplace requirements and equip students with practical skills that can improve their employment prospects.

The minister said the state is focusing on skill-based education and stronger industry connections, with the AEDPs covering sectors such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), logistics, and retail operations management.

"The programs combine academic learning with a mandatory apprenticeship component of at least six months in an industry, with students being provided a minimum guaranteed stipend of ₹10,900 per month. The programme will provide students an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience alongside their academic studies and develop skills relevant to industry requirements," he said.

Five AEDP courses have received approval for implementation. The first phase includes three programs: BCom in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, BCom in Retail Operations Management and BCom in Logistics.

Of the 16 participating colleges, 11 are offering BCom BFSI, while two colleges have introduced BCom in Retail Operations Management and three are offering BCom in Logistics.

"In the first year of implementation, 16 government degree colleges have commenced AEDPs with 685 students enrolled across the three programs, and more would be enrolled in the coming years. The initiative is being supported through collaboration among colleges, universities, BOAT-NR and CRISP for industry linkages, apprenticeship opportunities, training and placement support," the minister said.

Himachal Pradesh is now the third state after Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to introduce apprenticeship-embedded degree programs, according to the minister. He said the response to the initiative could pave the way for its expansion to additional colleges.

"Himachal Pradesh is the third state in the country after Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to implement such apprenticeship-embedded degree programs. The encouraging response to AEDPs will encourage the department to consider extending the programs to more colleges in the coming years,” he said.

"The possibility of introducing apprenticeship-embedded programs in other undergraduate streams such as BA and BSc will also be examined to provide more students access to skill-based education," he added.