Industry Co-op Programmes needed to align higher education with industry needs: Expert
Prof (Dr) Manoj Kumar, VC of DAV University, Jalandhar, says Industry Co-op Programmes combining internships, industry-linked curricula and collaborations can create a stronger higher education model.
The Industry Co-op Programmes represent a comprehensive and deeply embedded model of experiential learning that integrates academic instruction with industry engagement, skill development, entrepreneurship and societal impact. Such programmes can be designed not only to enhance employability but also to align higher education with national priorities.
By embedding co-operative education within the curriculum and extending it to community and entrepreneurial initiatives, the universities can create a holistic ecosystem that connects knowledge, skills and real-world application.
At the institutional level, the Co-op programmes can be structurally anchored in an industry-integrated curriculum that is continuously shaped through the active involvement of industry experts. This ensures that academic programmes remain dynamic and aligned with evolving industry requirements.
Experiential components such as internships, certification modules, live projects and case-based learning are systematically incorporated into the curriculum, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. This approach reflects the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises experiential learning, multidisciplinary education and industry-academia collaboration as key drivers of educational transformation.
Simultaneously, the competency-based design of these programmes aligns with the national skills qualifications framework, ensuring that students develop measurable skills and professional capabilities.
A major strength of the university Industry Co-op programmes lies in the diversity and depth of its industry collaborations, which span multiple sectors and create discipline-specific pathways for students. In the domain of enterprise technology, programmes can be integrated with ERP enterprises to provide students with exposure to global business solutions and enterprise resource planning systems, along with opportunities to earn industry-recognised certifications.
In the field of artificial intelligence and advanced computing, collaboration with Intel enables students to engage with emerging technologies and develop competencies in cutting-edge areas.
Engineering and technology students can benefit from partnerships with industry in electric vehicle design, where they gain exposure to electric mobility and advanced engineering solutions, while those in retail and management programmes engage with retail industries to understand retail operations, customer relationship management, and sales processes through structured internships.
These collaborations can be operationalised through structured co-op activities, including internships, industry training programmes, certification courses, and live project work. A significant proportion of students participate in these experiential learning opportunities, gaining hands-on exposure to real workplace environments. This sustained engagement with industry ensures that students develop not only technical expertise but also essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving.
Faculty members benefit from training programmes, workshops and collaborative initiatives with industry, which enhance their pedagogical effectiveness and enable them to adopt innovative teaching strategies. Research activities have increasingly focused on real-world problems, leading to the development of practical solutions and the strengthening of research infrastructure through the establishment of centres of excellence and advanced laboratories.
From a student perspective, the impact of the Industry Co-op programmes is reflected in improved employability, strong placement outcomes and enhanced career readiness. Students demonstrate high levels of practical knowledge, adaptability and professional competence, making them well-prepared for diverse career pathways.
The combination of internships, certifications and industry exposure ensures that they are job-ready and capable of contributing effectively from the early stages of their careers. At the same time, the emphasis on entrepreneurship and community engagement enables students to explore alternative career paths and develop a broader understanding of societal needs.
