KSOU to launch skill programmes in AI, cybersecurity and green energy
KSOU will expand skill courses in AI, cybersecurity and renewable energy after receiving NCVET dual recognition.
The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is preparing to significantly expand its skill-development offerings, with new employment-oriented programmes planned in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and renewable energy.
Vice-Chancellor A.P. Gnana Prakash announced the initiative on Friday during a capacity-building workshop on 'NCVET Dual Recognition: Operationalising Skill Development, Assessment and Awarding Functions' held at the university.
Highlighting the significance of the university's recent recognition from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Prof. Gnana Prakash said the dual recognition for assessment and awarding functions marks an important institutional milestone. He stressed, however, that the real work lies in effectively operationalising this recognition to deliver quality programmes and improve learner employability.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised that KSOU's skill agenda should not be limited to high-end technology alone. Noting Karnataka's diverse skill requirements, he pointed to opportunities in agriculture, MSMEs, healthcare, tourism, logistics, retail and traditional occupations, arguing that skill programmes must respond to the needs of both learners and the economy.
KSOU intends to explore setting up Multi-Skill Development Training Centres and leveraging Central and State government skill initiatives. The university is open to collaborating with government departments, Sector Skill Councils, industries and other stakeholders to extend skill training to more beneficiaries.
Over recent years, KSOU has been strengthening its skill ecosystem by integrating discipline-specific and general employability skills into academic programmes. The university has signed an MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and has established a Centre for Future Skills to provide contemporary competencies to learners.
K.R. Nagar MLA and KSOU Board of Management member D. Ravishankar, NCVET Executive Member Ashok Kumar Gaba, Senior Consultant Amit Sharma, Registrar S.K. Naveen Kumar and other officials attended the workshop.