Mumbai University Opens Tech Courses for BA, BCom, BSc Students

• MU launches open electives like Python, web design, and green energy under NEP 2020.
• Students can attend nearby polytechnic institutes; credits will count in the degree.
• Courses optional, capacity 100–120 students; schedule and fees yet to be fixed.

Students at Mumbai University enrolled in conventional degree programs such as BA, BCom, and BSc can acquire practical technical skills via newly launched open electives from upcoming academic year.

Within the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education has developed specific programs including Python programming, green energy, web design, and the installation and repair of consumer electronics for students from various state universities.

MU has now officially released the same circular detailing district-specific colleges and the associated courses available in those areas. At present, the majority of colleges provide open electives from classes available on their campus. For instance, a student in commerce may choose a course in writing or photography provided by the college's mass media department.

The NEP steering committee, however, has recently proposed providing technical courses to students with assistance from the state's technical board. A notice was released by the board listing the programs intended for arts, science, and commerce students from conventional public universities. MU has now formally released the same circular identifying colleges by district along with the specific courses that will be available in those areas.

Also Read: University of Madras Defers Dual-Degree Program Launch

Vinod Mohitkar, the director of the Directorate of Technical Education, stated that these courses are optional, allowing students to select them at a nearby polytechnic institute according to their interests, "They will have to attend the lectures at the respective institutes and these credits will be notified to their respective colleges. In the first year, there will be fewer institutes, which will be later increased based on students' interests," said Mohitkar.

A polytechnic institute that provides these open electives mentioned it can accommodate 100-120 students. The spokesperson mentioned that the schedule, costs, and additional arrangements for the course still need to be determined and will be finalized once the institute assesses the overall number of students. "It's the first year, so we are not sure how many students will opt for these programmes. Also, colleges have to publicize these courses among students," said the official.