Mumbai University launches apprenticeship-embedded BE; up to 15% final year students eligible

The University of Mumbai has introduced an Apprenticeship Embedded Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) Degree Programme (AEDP) to provide engineering students with practical industry experience alongside their academic studies. The initiative has been approved by the university’s Academic Council under the Faculty of Science and Technology in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and guidelines of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Under the programme, up to 15% of final-year B.E. students will be eligible to undertake an apprenticeship in the seventh and eighth semesters. Students will have to complete one year of apprenticeship, including at least 1,260 hours of practical training, for which they will receive 42 credits, according to the university’s press release.

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom-based engineering education and practical industry requirements. Students will get an opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to industry projects, processes and day-to-day operations while gaining exposure to modern technologies, quality standards and professional work practices.

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Mumbai University AEDP: Eligibility criteria

Students must have secured a minimum CGPEA of 6.75 in the fifth semester to be considered for the Apprenticeship Embedded B.E. programme. Selection will be based on merit, with preference given to students with higher CGPAs.

However, students who have opted for Honours, Minor or Honours with Research will not be eligible to participate in the apprenticeship programme.

Students to gain industry and professional skills

According to Mumbai University , the programme will not only focus on technical skills but will also help students develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and time-management skills.

The university said that exposure to experienced industry mentors will help students understand workplace expectations and deal with practical challenges. The industry experience and professional contacts developed during the apprenticeship are also expected to support students in their future careers.

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Programme to support industry-ready engineers

The university said the programme will enable students to understand industry requirements before completing their engineering degree. This is expected to improve employability and help students transition into professional roles with greater confidence.

Mumbai University Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni said that a degree alone is not sufficient in the changing industrial and technological environment and that students also need practical experience and industry-relevant skills.

“Through the Apprenticeship Embedded B.E. programme, students will gain practical exposure to industry operations, modern technologies and professional skills alongside their theoretical engineering knowledge,” Kulkarni said.

He added that the initiative will strengthen the objectives of NEP 2020 , particularly its focus on experiential, skill-based and employment-oriented education.

“Integrating industry requirements with the knowledge available in educational institutions and developing engineers equipped for the future is the primary objective of this initiative,” the vice-chancellor said.