Lucknow: In alignment with the vision of National Education Policy 2020 and the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) 2025, the University of Lucknow has announced the launch of its Undergraduate Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (UGAEDP) under the Faculty of Commerce from the academic session commencing July 2026.
Approved by the UGC in March 2025, the initiative aims to integrate academic learning with structured industry-based apprenticeships. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and workplace requirements, enhance employability, promote outcome-based learning, and strengthen industry-academia collaboration. Lucknow University is among the early adopters of this transformative model.
A key feature of UGAEDP is the mandatory tripartite agreement involving the university, industry partner, and student apprentice. The apprenticeship component will be embedded as a credit-based element within the undergraduate degree, ensuring parity with conventional programmes. Admission criteria will remain the same as regular undergraduate courses, with clear communication regarding the compulsory apprenticeship component at the time of enrolment.
The Faculty of Commerce will offer three programmes under UGAEDP: B.Com in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (75 seats), B.Com in Retail Management (75 seats), and B.Com in E-Commerce (75 seats). Each programme will span eight semesters (four years), with a semester fee of ₹27,880.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. J. P. Saini described the initiative as a significant step towards aligning higher education with NEP 2020. He noted that embedding structured industry apprenticeships within degree programmes will enhance academic rigor while ensuring that graduates are job-ready from day one. He added that the model fosters experiential learning, strengthens industry linkages, and equips students with practical skills required for global competitiveness.
Prof. Anoop Kumar Bhartiya, Nodal Officer for AEDP, emphasised that the programme directly addresses employability challenges faced by graduates. By combining classroom instruction with real-world industry exposure, students will gain hands-on experience, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics. He further highlighted that the tripartite agreement model ensures accountability and quality, while stipends under the Apprentices Act will provide financial support during training.
The university stated that UGAEDP will enable students to transition seamlessly into diverse career pathways, reinforcing its commitment to holistic, outcome-based education and a robust skill-oriented academic ecosystem.
