Mumbai University Introduces Apprenticeship-Embedded B.E. Programme to Strengthen Industry Learning

The University of Mumbai has introduced an Apprenticeship Embedded Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) Degree Programme (AEDP), a move aimed at bringing classroom learning closer to real-world industry practice. The programme has been cleared by the university’s Academic Council under the Faculty of Science and Technology, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and guidelines set by the All India Council for Technical Education.

Under the new structure, up to 15% of final-year B.E. students will be able to opt for an apprenticeship during their seventh and eighth semesters. This will involve a full year of industry engagement, including a minimum of 1,260 hours of practical training. Students who complete the programme will earn 42 academic credits as part of their degree.

The idea is to give students a chance to step out of purely theoretical learning and understand how engineering concepts are actually applied in workplaces.

To be eligible, students must have secured a minimum CGPEA of 6.75 in their fifth semester. Selection will be based on merit, with higher-performing students getting preference.

However, those already enrolled in Honours, Minor, or Honours with Research tracks will not be able to opt for this apprenticeship route.

While the programme focuses on technical exposure, the university is also placing equal importance on soft skills. Students will get the chance to work on real projects, interact with industry professionals, and understand how organisations function on a day-to-day basis.

This hands-on experience is expected to help them build communication skills, teamwork, decision-making ability, and time management skills that are often difficult to develop in a traditional classroom setting.

The university also noted that working closely with industry mentors will give students a clearer picture of professional expectations and help them navigate real-world challenges more confidently.

According to Mumbai University the AEDP initiative is designed to make students industry-ready even before they graduate. By combining academic learning with practical exposure, the programme aims to improve employability and ease the transition from college to the workplace.

Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni pointed out that in today’s fast-changing technological environment, a degree alone is no longer enough. Students need hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills to stay competitive.

He added that the programme aligns closely with the goals of NEP 2020, particularly its focus on experiential and skill-based education. The broader aim, he said, is to create engineers who are not just academically strong, but also ready to take on real-world challenges from day one.

Lakshima Sareen is a Senior Copy Editor with the Digital Education Desk at Times Now, specialising in education news, exam updates, and policy reporti... View More