IGNOU to launch skill-based bachelor programme for ‘Agniveers’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: To enhance the future career prospects of the recruits or ‘Agniveers’ under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme, the Ministry of Education has announced the launch of a special three-year skill-based bachelor’s degree programme that will recognize the skill training received by them during their tenure in the defense establishments.
The Army, Navy and Air Force will sign a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for the implementation of the programme.
The programme has been designed by IGNOU and is aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and with National Credit Framework, National Skill Qualification framework (NSQF), as mandated under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Under this programme, 50 percent of the credits required for a graduate degree will come from the skill training (technical and non-technical) while remaining will come from a variety of courses across subjects including Languages, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Maths, Education, Commerce, Tourism, Vocational Studies, Agriculture and Jyotish, along with ability enhancement courses on Environmental Studies and Communication Skills in English.
This programme is aligned with UGC norms and with the National Credit Framework / National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) as mandated under the National Education Policy 2020. It also has provision for multiple exit points – Undergraduate Certificate on successful completion of the first year courses, Undergraduate Diploma on successful completion of the first and second year courses and Degree on completion of all the courses in three year time frame.
The framework of the programme has been duly recognized by the concerned regulatory bodies – All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and UGC. Degree will be awarded by IGNOU as per UGC nomenclature (BA; B Com.; BA (vocational); BA (Tourism Management), and will be recognized both in India and abroad for employment and education.