The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently issued guidelines for introducing short-term industry-relevant courses in Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) to bridge the skill gap, according to Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Vice Chairman. The guidelines will help to lay the groundwork for incorporating skilling into higher education at all levels, Srivastava said at an ICAI-organized National Education Summit on Commerce & Industry in the capital. The short-term industry-relevant courses will be certificate programs.

Stating that UGC is closely working with HEIs, Srivastava underscored the need to prepare an ecosystem among accounting professionals who are equipped with multiple skills matching the requirements of the global job market. He also said that accounting professionals have to be proficient in information technologies, including newer areas like artificial intelligence.

Srivastava highlighted that ICAI plays a crucial role in promoting financial transparency, accountability and good governance. He noted that India is poised to become the third-largest economy in the next five years. Srivastava also pointed out the strong growth in the Indian start-up ecosystem in recent years.