As India‘s industries rapidly embrace digital transformation, automation, advanced manufacturing and specialised services, the demand for job-ready graduates continues to grow. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes experiential and multidisciplinary learning, and supported by the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which have expanded opportunities for embedding apprenticeships within higher education, the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) are enabling universities to integrate academic learning with hands-on industry experience. This ensures students graduate with both a recognised degree and practical workplace exposure, making them better prepared for evolving industry demands.
Several universities across states such as Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar and Karnataka have introduced industry-aligned Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes in emerging domains ranging from electronics and cybersecurity to healthcare, retail and BFSI.
Dr. Nipun Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, highlights 7 Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs) that are highly industry–relevant and aligned with India‘s evolving workforce needs.
1. B.Sc. (Electronics) – Industrial Electronics (Minor in Sensor Technology/Energy Storage Devices)
College: Department of Electronics
University: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
State: Maharashtra
With India‘s electronics manufacturing ecosystem expanding under initiatives such as ‘Make in India‘ and the growing adoption of EVs, IoT and industrial automation, demand for professionals with expertise in industrial electronics is on the rise. This programme equips students with knowledge in sensor technologies and energy storage systems while embedding apprenticeship training, preparing them for careers in electronics manufacturing, automation, embedded systems and EV technologies.
2. B.Sc. in Healthcare Management
College: Magadh Mahila College
University: Patna University
State: Bihar
India‘s healthcare sector is witnessing rapid expansion with increasing investments in hospitals, diagnostics, digital health and public healthcare infrastructure. Recognising the need for skilled healthcare administrators, selected colleges across Bihar have introduced AEDP-based Health Management programmes. The course prepares students for roles in hospital administration, healthcare operations, health services management and allied healthcare support, combining classroom learning with practical workplace exposure.
3. B.Com. in Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)
College: Affiliated Colleges
University: Gondwana University and partner institutions, Rama Devi Women’s University, and Various State Universities in Karnataka
States: Maharashtra, Odisha and Karnataka
The BFSI sector continues to be one of India‘s largest employment generators, driven by digital banking, fintech innovation, insurance penetration and financial inclusion initiatives. AEDP-enabled B.Com. programmes in BFSI are being offered across Maharashtra, Odisha and Karnataka, allowing students to gain industry exposure alongside their academic curriculum. Graduates can pursue careers across banking operations, insurance, lending, wealth management, fintech and financial services.
4. B.Sc./B.A. in Food Science & Hospitality Operation
College: Selected Degree Colleges
University: Rama Devi Women’s University / Ravenshaw University
State: Odisha
India‘s hospitality, tourism and food processing sectors are expanding steadily, creating demand for professionals with both technical knowledge and customer service skills. This AEDP programme blends academic learning with industry training, enabling students to build careers in hospitality management, food processing, hotel operations, tourism services and allied sectors.
5. B.Sc. (Hons.) in Cyber Science
College: Department of Computer Science & IT
University: Nagpur University
State: Maharashtra
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, organisations across government and private sectors are investing heavily in cybersecurity capabilities. This AEDP programme prepares students in cyber forensics, cyber law and digital security while providing practical apprenticeship experience. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in cybersecurity operations, digital investigations, IT security and government cyber defence initiatives.
6. B.Com. in Retail Operations
College: Bhagalpur National College, Bhagalpur
University: Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
State: Bihar
India‘s organised retail sector, supported by rapid e-commerce growth and evolving consumer behaviour, continues to create employment opportunities across supply chains and retail operations. The Retail Management AEDP programme develops practical skills in store operations, merchandising, customer relationship management and retail business, preparing students for careers in retail, FMCG and omnichannel commerce.
7. B.Com. in E-Commerce Operations & Commerce
College: Selected Degree Colleges
University: Rama Devi Women’s University / Ravenshaw University
State: Odisha
The rise of digital commerce has significantly increased demand for professionals skilled in online retail operations, marketplace management and digital business processes. Through apprenticeship-integrated learning, this programme equips students with practical exposure to e-commerce operations, logistics coordination, digital merchandising and online customer engagement, preparing them for India‘s fast-growing digital economy.
Additionally, a new-age AEDP course has been introduced to support the India Semiconductor Mission, strengthening the country’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor hub. The programme also aligns with the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat 2047 by developing a skilled talent pipeline for one of India‘s most strategic and high-growth sectors.
B.Sc.(Hons.) in Semiconductor Material & Devices
College: Department of Electronics
University: Nagpur University
State: Maharashtra
India‘s semiconductor ecosystem is emerging as a strategic growth sector, backed by significant government investments and new fabrication, packaging and electronics manufacturing projects. This specialised AEDP programme focuses on semiconductor materials, chip technologies and electronic devices, while providing practical industry exposure. Graduates can explore opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, chip design support, electronics, embedded systems and EV electronics, making it one of the most future-focused additions to the AEDP portfolio.
The expansion of AEDP programmes reflects a growing shift towards industry-integrated higher education, where students graduate with both academic qualifications and workplace experience. As sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, healthcare, BFSI, retail, hospitality and cybersecurity continue to evolve, these specialised degree programmes are helping create a workforce that is better aligned with emerging industry needs while improving graduates’ employability in a competitive job market. By strengthening industry-ready talent, AEDP also supports the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which place a strong emphasis on building a skilled, self-reliant workforce to drive India‘s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.