According to a study held by UNICEF, more than 50% of India’s youth will not have the skills required for employment by 2030. Another study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) revealed that 79% of companies say scores on skills assessments are just as or even more important than traditional criteria during hiring decisions. 

The current job market scenario demands candidates to have more practical experience based skills over traditional knowledge. India is also starting to see an uprising of skill universities at the moment. As the importance of skill-based higher education is increasing by the minute, skill universities are also coming up in many states. But with so many skill universities, it is important to know the parameters of the best skill universities in India. This blog contains a detailed list of qualities to look out for while choosing a skills university.

• Unique education model -  As the name suggests, skill universities are focused on imparting industry-relevant skills unlike a traditional university. Therefore the curriculum usually includes -
• A perfect blend of both theoretical learning and practical skills.
• Offers practical training, on-job training, and internships.
• Includes skills and practices that are industry relevant. 

For example, if a traditional university offers a B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology program, it will provide more theoretical knowledge than practical. Whereas if a skill based university offers the same program, it will focus on imparting practical skills, industry experience, and skill-based training along with the needed theoretical knowledge. 

• Industry collaborations - One key aspect of a skills university that sets it apart from a traditional university is that skills universities have a strong base of industry collaborations. Skills universities you should choose should ideally have -
• Strong industry collaborations with renowned organizations.
• Organize on-the-job training and placement opportunities in the industry.
• Provide various opportunities of industry immersion, workshops, and interactions. 

Industry collaborations enable the skills universities to provide exceptional opportunities to its students that would otherwise not be possible. Some of the best skill universities in India have incredible industry collaborations.

• Facilities and Infrastructure - Skills universities provide a very specific kind of learning which is focused on industry-relevant skills. Therefore skills universities need to have very specific specialized facilities and infrastructure, that includes -
• Advanced laboratories and practical experience setups.
• Modern teaching methods including smart classrooms, digitized teaching methods, and technologies.
• Easy access to industry standard tools and technologies.

While choosing a skill university, it is essential to check the kind of infrastructure and facilities they are providing. For example, a university offering a program on hospitality or hotel management should have mock kitchen and hotel setups mimicking industry scenarios.

• Faculty Expertise - Since the kind of education provided in a skills university is starkly different from the kind of education provided in a traditional university, the faculties in a skills university have to have that edge.  A skills university should ideally have -
• Faculties with real life industry/profession experience apart from degrees.
• Frequent guest lectures, sessions, and workshops from industry experts.
• Faculties who have the ability to impart industry relevant skills, practical exposure, and training.

It is essential that faculties have industry-relevant skills and experience so that they can in turn train the students accordingly.

• Placement Opportunities - At the end of the day, every candidate pursues higher education to secure a good job.A good skills university should be able to provide good placement opportunities to its students. Things to check are -
• Good industry collaborations to give opportunities to the students.
• Testimonials of students about the kind of placement/internships they have received.
• The kind of assistance and opportunities that university provides to the students.

Skills universities more than traditional universities should be able to provide excellent career progression to its students and this is one thing to look out for while choosing one. It is common in some of the best skill universities in India to have good placement opportunities.

• Scholarships and Financial Aid - Education should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, skills universities must have good scholarships and financial aid assistance for its students. Things to check are -
• Hassle free and transparent fee structure of every program.
• Scholarships and financial aid options for students in every category.
• Good scholarship and financial aid standards.

Universities that provide good scholarships and financial aid options to those who have merit, needs or are from specific groups are usually considered as inclusive.

Why Medhavi Skills University is The Best Skill University in India? 

Above listed are key things to look out for while choosing a skills university and if there is one university in India right now that checks all the boxes, it is Medhavi Skills University. MSU can very well be termed the best skill university in India right now. Some key features of MSU are as follows -

• Industry-oriented curriculum - Medhavi Skills University provides the perfect blend of skills and theory. Being a UGC recognized skills university, MSU has the authority to provide 70% skills based learning and 30% theoretical knowledge. Therefore, the students get to acquire industry-relevant skills .
• Advanced laboratories and facilities - MSU proudly provides its students exceptional infrastructure and facilities. From advanced and industry standard optometry laboratories, radiology and imaging laboratories, computer laboratories to their own Med Spice cafe and kitchen for hospitality and hotel management practices. MSU has it all covered.
• Industry collaborations - Medhavi Skills University has strong industry collaboration with industry giants like Hyatt Regency, IHG, Aeques, TCS, Aditya Birla Group etc. With strong industry collaborations, MSU is able to provide excellent placement, internships, and on-the-job training opportunities to its students. 
• Accessibility and inclusivity -  Medhavi Skills University offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to students who have merit, needs or are from a specific group making it a very accessible and inclusive university. 

Remarkable Achievements of Medhavi Group

• First university to integrate NEP 2020 in an industry led format.
• The youngest skills university to win medals at IndiaSkills 2024, representing Sikkim on a national stage and preparing students for the World Skills Contest in France.
• Recognized by Economic Times as the Best Brand in Education.
• MSU is one of two universities approved by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) to offer Work Integrated ITI (CTS) programs under the Flexi MoU Scheme.
• Among 1,200 Indian universities, MSU is one of four recognized “Awarding Body” by NCVET.
• MSU partners with NSDC to promote skills-integrated B. Voc programs through its skill training network.
• MSU serves as the PMU of NSDC International for student overseas mobility and establishing "Centre of Excellence/International Skill Centres" across India.
• MSU has MoUs with the Indian Air Force, Navy, Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal and Indian Coast Guard for higher education scholarships (up to 50%) for martyrs'/serving/retired personnel's wards.
• MSU is empaneled as the Technical Agency for Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
• MSU is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
• MSU received several awards, including Best Skill University of the Year – 2023, Best Skill Development Programmes – 2022-23, and Best Education Brand – 2023 by The Economic Times.

Future-Proof Programs

• Cutting-edge degrees like B.Sc in Audiography & Music Technology, MBA in Strategic Marketing, B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering (AI & ML), B.Sc. in Renal Dialysis Technology,  Bachelor in Hospital Administration, MBA in Luxury Brand Management and so on.  
• Programs designed to meet emerging industry demands and global standards.

Medhavi Skills University is more than a university—it’s a revolution in skill-based higher education, empowering individuals and shaping India’s future workforce.