Himachal Pradesh To Launch Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes In 16 Government Colleges From 2026-27

The Himachal Pradesh government will introduce apprenticeship-embedded degree programs at 16 government colleges beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, according to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Northern Region). Education Minister Rohit Thakur emphasized the initiative's goal of bridging the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical industry requirements by providing students with hands-on workplace experience alongside a recognized undergraduate degree.

This new program, named Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs), will be offered in banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI), logistics, and retail operations management. Students will complete a minimum six-month apprenticeship with a guaranteed stipend of Rs 10,900 per month. Five AEDP courses have been approved for implementation, with three already in the first phase: BCom in BFSI, BCom in Retail Operations Management, and BCom in Logistics.

Initially, 685 students will enroll in these three programs, with more expected to join in subsequent years. The initiative is supported by collaboration among colleges, universities, the Board of Apprenticeship Training, and CRISP for industry linkages, apprenticeship opportunities, training, and placement support. Himachal Pradesh joins Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan as the third state in the country to implement such apprenticeship-embedded degree programs.