UGC-MU ‘VIKAS 2025 Western Zone’ Conference Emphasizes Skilling, Apprenticeship & Industry Collaboration

Mumbai University to Launch 20 Integrated Apprenticeship-Based Degree Programmes from 2025-26

Mumbai, Maharashtra – The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Mumbai University (MU) jointly hosted the ‘VIKAS 2025 Western Zone’ conference, focusing on “Venturing into Industry Knowledge, Apprenticeship and Skilling.” The event saw active participation from over 500 delegates across Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat, and emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Key Objective

To promote deep and meaningful collaboration between the education system and the industry sector in order to make students job creators instead of mere job seekers.

Key Themes and Initiatives

Universities as hubs of entrepreneurship, not just knowledge centers
Emphasis on apprenticeship and skill development as critical for self-reliance
Curriculum restructuring to introduce industry-relevant subjects
Promoting innovation with the involvement of industry professionals as mentors
Establishment of startup incubation centers on university campuses
Integrating industrial apprenticeship into mainstream education
Implementation of UGC guidelines for incorporating skill-based learning into degree programs

Mumbai University’s Major Contribution

Mumbai University announced the launch of 20 integrated degree programs featuring Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) starting from the 2025–26 academic year. These programs will provide real-time skill exposure and experience to students, ensuring job-readiness from day one.

Proposed Education Model

The proposed 2+2 model aims to restructure the higher education framework:

2 years of classroom-based learning
2 years of hands-on industry experience
Curriculum composition:
- 50% core academic subjects
- 50% multidisciplinary skill modules

Strategic Partnerships

Mumbai University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BOAT-WZ (Board of Apprenticeship Training – Western Zone) and will be collaborating with national and state-level industry bodies to implement the initiatives.

Purpose of the Conference

To equip students with industry-relevant skills, foster innovation, and prepare them for meaningful contributions to India’s national development vision under VIKAS 2025.

UGC-Mumbai University VIKAS 2025 Western Zone Conference Highlights

UGC and Mumbai University host VIKAS 2025 Western Zone to promote skill-based education, 20 apprenticeship-based degree programs, and industry-academia partnerships.

UGC VIKAS 2025 Conference
Mumbai University Apprenticeship Degree
Skill Based Education India
Industry-Academia Collaboration
AEDP Mumbai University
BOAT-WZ Apprenticeship Programs
Startup Incubation in Indian Universities

#VIKAS2025
#SkillBasedEducation
#MumbaiUniversity
#UGCIndia
#ApprenticeshipPrograms
#StartupIncubation
#IndustryAcademiaCollab

UGC-MU ‘VIKAS 2025 Western Zone’ Conference Emphasizes Skilling, Apprenticeship & Industry Collaboration