In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing employability among college students, the Government of India has announced the launch of Dual Apprenticeship Programs in 100 colleges nationwide. The program is being rolled out by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) and AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).
This strategic move is designed to integrate classroom education with practical industry training, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
🎯 What is a Dual Apprenticeship Program?
A dual apprenticeship program combines academic education with on-the-job training. Under this model, students spend part of their time learning theoretical concepts in the classroom and the rest working in real industry environments.
Key Highlights:
- Hands-on industry training while pursuing a college degree
- Monthly stipend paid during apprenticeship
- Joint certification by college and industry partner
- Curriculum co-designed by academic and industry experts
- Credit-based recognition of apprenticeship in academic transcripts
This model is widely adopted in countries like Germany and Switzerland and is now being customized for India’s higher education system.
🏫 Implementation Plan
Initially, the program will be launched in:
- 100 engineering, polytechnic, and general colleges
- Located across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities
- With a focus on sectors like manufacturing, electronics, hospitality, IT, logistics, and retail
Each participating college will collaborate with local industry partners who will host students as apprentices under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
👨🎓 Who Can Apply?
The program will be open to:
- Undergraduate and diploma students from selected institutions
- Courses in engineering, hospitality, commerce, and vocational streams
- Students from second or third year will be prioritized
The selection criteria may include:
- Academic performance
- Aptitude for practical learning
- Industry demand and location
The apprenticeship tenure will range from 6 to 12 months, and students will receive a stipend as per government norms.
💼 Benefits of Dual Apprenticeship
This initiative aims to address India’s long-standing skill-employability gap. According to an India Skills Report, only 47% of graduates are considered employable due to lack of practical exposure.
Benefits for Students:
- Real-world work experience
- Higher job placement potential
- Financial support through stipends
- Industry-recognized skills and certification
Benefits for Employers:
- Access to trained and pre-screened talent
- Reduced onboarding and training costs
- Better alignment with evolving workforce needs
📚 How to Apply or Get Involved?
Colleges and students can connect through:
- The official Skill India Digital Platform
- The AICTE Apprenticeship Portal
- NSDC-approved training providers
🔗 Useful Links:
- NSDC Official Portal
- Skill India Portal
- AICTE Apprenticeship Portal
- National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Colleges will be selected through a central nomination and evaluation process, and training will align with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards.
🧭 Government’s Vision
This initiative aligns with:
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasis on vocational education
- Skill India Mission
- Make in India and Startup India goals
It aims to create a robust academia-industry linkage, encourage experiential learning, and ensure students are job-ready from day one.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. CareerVarta does not conduct admissions or training directly. Readers are advised to check the official government websites and contact respective colleges or apprenticeship providers for detailed and updated information.