How skill universities are redefining higher education

Universities are ditching traditional classroom learning for hands-on training that guarantees employment, bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands

- Pritha Roy Choudhury

As India increasingly prioritises skill-based learning to enhance youth employability, a new generation of universities is stepping up to meet the challenge. Institutions like Seacom Skills University (SSU) in West Bengal and Medhavi Skill University (MSU) in Sikkim are leading this transformation by offering hands-on, industry-aligned education. These universities go beyond traditional degrees — they embed practical skills, workplace exposure, and entrepreneurial thinking into their curriculum, aiming to bridge the gap between education and employment.

“I joined this university as it is known for 100% placement because whatever we learn is skill-based, making the students employable,” said Himanshu Barman, a final-year student of BSc Agriculture (Honours) at Seacom Skills University (SSU) in Bolpur, West Bengal.

His sentiment is echoed across campuses that have embraced a more practical, industry-focused form of education. “I joined Seacom Skills University because of its strong emphasis on practical legal education and skill development. The university offers not only academic knowledge but also real-life experiences that are preparing us for the legal profession,” added Ahmed Reja, a student enrolled in the university's School of Legal Studies and is presently in the 4th semester of the five-year integrated programme.

Universities like Seacom Skills University (SSU) in West Bengal and Medhavi Skill University (MSU) in Sikkim both in the eastern part of the country are leading the way. Their approach is simple: they don't just award degrees; they equip students with practical skills that can be directly used in the workplace.

A new breed of universities