Tamil Nadu to Introduce ‘One Degree, Six Skills’ Programme for UG Students from January 2027

The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department is set to introduce a new skill-based programme for undergraduate students in 181 government arts and science colleges from the January 2027 semester. Under the initiative, students will learn one job-oriented skill every semester alongside their regular degree course.

By the end of a three-year undergraduate programme, students are expected to acquire six additional industry-oriented skills.

The programme, developed with support from the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE), is intended to strengthen practical skills and improve students' exposure to industry requirements.

Tamil Nadu One Degree, Six Skills Programme: Key Details

The new initiative will follow a one-skill-per-semester model. Each skill course will involve around 30 to 45 hours of learning and will focus on practical application rather than a conventional written examination. Assessment will include skill exercises, individual competency and a final demonstrable output.

The department has identified 20 skill courses across basic sciences and arts and prepared a basket from which colleges can select programmes based on their requirements. Colleges are expected to identify the skills they will offer and nominate expert trainers over the coming months.

Industry Partnerships for Tamil Nadu Government Colleges

Alongside the skill programme, the Higher Education Department has asked government college departments to establish links with leading industries. Each department is expected to enter into memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with at least three companies in relevant sectors.

These industry partnerships are expected to provide inputs for curriculum development and updating, while also creating opportunities for internships and placements for students. The initiative is aimed at strengthening interaction between higher education institutions and employers.

Tamil Nadu already operates other skill-development initiatives for college students through programmes such as Naan Mudhalvan, which provides skill offerings, internships and other employability-focused opportunities to students in arts and science colleges and other institutions.

How the Six-Skills Programme Will Work

Under the proposed structure, students will continue with their regular undergraduate curriculum while completing an additional skill course during each semester. The focus will be on using tools, independent practice, troubleshooting and completing practical tasks.

The assessment framework will reportedly allocate 40% of marks to skill exercises, 30% to individual competency and 30% to a final demonstrable output, rather than relying on a traditional written examination.

The One Degree, Six Skills programme is scheduled to begin in January 2027 across Tamil Nadu's government arts and science colleges. Colleges will finalise the skill offerings and trainers before the programme begins, while industry MoUs are expected to support curriculum development, internships and placement opportunities.