According to a study by Mercer | Mettl revealed that only 45% of Indian graduates have the necessary skills for the job market, with 53% employable in non-technical roles and 44% in technical roles. The Economic Survey 2023 - 2024, established that 65% of India’s fast-growing population is under the age of 35 and many of them lack the skills needed by the modern economy. The survey also revealed that only 51.25% of the country’s youth is employable. It is evident from various reports, surveys, and studies that the need for skilled youth in India is significant. Candidates have the degree but not the skills required to thrive in today’s modern workforce. Hence, the importance of Work-Integrated Degree programs is increasing now more than ever. This blog gives a detailed account of the differences between traditional degrees and work-integrated degrees and everything one needs to know to make an informed decision. 

Understanding the terms -

Traditional Degrees - 

Traditional degree programs follow a traditional approach of imparting education. Focusing on conventional modes of learning through textbooks, lectures, and examinations. The kind of education imparted is usually focused on in-depth knowledge of the theoretical aspect of the subject with very little focus on the practical aspects. The programs are designed keeping theoretical knowledge in mind and are offered by regular colleges and universities.

Work-Integrated Degrees - 

Work-integrated degree programs focus on combining theoretical academic knowledge with practical skills and hands-on experience. The curriculum is especially designed to include more skill components over theoretical knowledge. These programs impart learning through hand-on experience, on-the-job training, apprenticeship and real world experiences. Work-integrated programs are usually offered by skills-based universities. 

Difference between Traditional Degrees and Work-Integrated Degrees

What is WISE (Work-Integrated Skill-based Higher Education)?

WISE (Work-Integrated Skill-based Higher Education) is an initiative of Medhavi Skills University that offers work-integrated learning, application and practical-based programs to the candidates which makes them employable. These programs are backed by on-the-job training and apprenticeships which gives the candidates real-world experiences along with the benefit of earning stipend. They offer the best work-integrated learning programs.

Benefits of Work-Integrated Degree programs to the students -

• Higher Education Credentials - Students will be eligible for Diploma, UG or PG programs from UGC recognized universities. The credit system is also flexible which  helps accumulate and transfer academic credits. 
• Learn and Earn - Monthly stipend provided to the students gives financial independence which encourages practical learning while supporting financial expenses.
• Degree with Work Experience - Students earn a degree along with hands-on experience in industry settings which enables them to enter the workforce with both practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Career Growth Prospects - Students having work experience along with education enables them to experience better salary opportunities and better career prospects.
• Flexible Learning & Joint Certification - Flexible learning with programs available in Face-to-Face, Online, On-site, and On-the-Job learning modes.

Why choose MSU for work integrated programs?

• Curriculum Customised to Suit Skill Competency Needs of Industry Partners - The curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts to meet industry specific skill requirements, ensuring practical skill development and necessary theoretical understanding. 
• GoI recognized Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates - A wide range of university programs in line with NEP 2020 and NCrF offer hands-on experience with earning opportunities, providing financial support that enhances employability. Certificates from NSDC/UGC/SSCs/Industry also provide great opportunities for skill certifications for employees.
• Flexible Blended Learning Models and Examinations - Accessible, online, self-paced, and practical learning modes and exams make it convenient for learners to learn and help them align academics with daily work schedules.
• Embedding Work-Integrated Programmes to Reduce Attrition - Combines academic learning with hands-on apprenticeships, improving job satisfaction and lowering attrition by aligning skills with industry roles and expectations.
• Increased Productivity with Relevant Skill Training - Candidates have better productivity with relevant skill training from the get go which makes tracking of performance easier with practical and theoretical examinations.

Traditional degree programs and work-integrated degree programs are truly very different to each other in terms of everything. Be it their focus, their delivery, their benefits, everything. Now if the question of which one to choose for higher education arises, it truly depends on the needs and expectations of the students. 

But at the same time, if we were to take the current competitive job market and rapidly evolving workplace dynamics into consideration, the importance of skills is significant. Along with theoretical knowledge, practical skills are equally important, if not more for candidates to excel in the workplace. Therefore work-integrated degree programs have rightfully evolved as the more sought after kind of higher education at the moment. 

Medhavi Skills University is a skills university in North East India that provides the best work-integrated learning programs. The courses are backed by hands-on experience, on-the-job training, apprenticeship and practical experience, making the candidates competent to thrive in the competitive job market. 

MSU Highlights 

• MSU is the first university to integrate NEP 2020 in an industry led format. 
• It is also 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.