The Odisha government has directed all universities and autonomous colleges in the state to recognise Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs) as equivalent to conventional undergraduate degrees for higher education purposes.
In its notification, the Higher Education Department clarified that AEDPs, introduced to enhance employability in courses such as BA, BCom, and BSc, will now be treated on par with regular UG programmes. The directive follows the UGC guidelines issued in March 2025, which mandated that AEDPs be recognised for higher education and employment opportunities.
Officials said the move will provide greater clarity to students enrolled in AEDPs, particularly those seeking admission to Master’s and PhD programmes. The department has also asked institutions to make provisions for AEDP students to study subjects relevant to competitive examinations through Multidisciplinary Courses (MDC) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC).
By aligning with UGC norms, Odisha aims to ensure that apprenticeship‑embedded degrees receive due recognition, thereby strengthening academic pathways and boosting career prospects for students across the state.
