Mumbai University to Launch Skill-Based BA, BSc, BCom Programs from 2026

Mumbai University (MU) will revolutionize its conventional BA, BSc, and BCom courses by incorporating them with employment-ready skills from the 2026–27 academic year. The aim is to enhance the employability of graduates by providing them with both subject-specific knowledge and relevant practical skills required for current-day jobs.

What Are Skill-Integrated Courses?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new scheme in which conventional degrees will consist of 50% subject study and 50% skill-based training.

Example for a BA History Student:

Industry-Relevant Education Through SWAYAM & Companies

Students will be able to gain the skill-based credits by:

• Completing courses prepared by companies or industry experts
• Learning from government-approved portals such as SWAYAM
• Picking from bespoke modules in insurance, tourism, real estate, etc.

"These students will be industry-ready by the end of their 4-year course," former chairman of UGC M. Jagadesh Kumar said.

Who Creates Skill Courses?

Why the Need for Change?

Demand for traditional degrees in Mumbai has come down. Low admission cut-offs of this year reveal that students are opting for more career-oriented or professional courses.

Therefore, this skill-based model is being brought in to:

Make traditional degrees more contemporary. To help students develop employable skills and encourage industry-university collaborations

Conference Highlights: 'Vikas 2025'

The move was debated during Mumbai University's 'Vikas 2025' conference (Venturing into Industry Knowledge, Apprenticeship and Skilling), which saw the presence of:

• 500 Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat dignitaries
• Education leaders and industry experts
• UGC members and Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil

Main Vikas 2025 Focus

• Reconfiguring higher education with industry suggestions
• Developing practical skills for students in all domains
• Employing tech platforms such as SWAYAM to mass skill

What Students Must Know?

1. New skill-enriched courses will be starting from 2026–27.
2. These courses will be operated with the Maharashtra Skill Development Society.
3. They seek to enhance the employability of students in BA, BCom, and BSc programs.
4. Students will receive academic + practical skills under a single degree.

Mumbai University's new initiative is going to provide students with an added advantage in the workplace, and also make education more industry-relevant.