The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has granted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) the status of “Awarding Body (Dual Category)”.
The recognition, formalised on Friday, enables BAOU to independently offer skill-based programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). This includes conducting training, assessing learners, and issuing certificates. The university can run these programmes both on campus and through approved centres, and may also collaborate with NCVET-recognised agencies if required, officials said.
With this, BAOU becomes the first university from Gujarat to receive the dual category status. Officials present at the signing included NCVET Chairperson Devashree Mukherjee, Member Prof Ashok Kumar Gaba, and Secretary Vikram Singh Bhati. BAOU was represented by Vice-Chancellor Prof Ami Upadhyay along with senior academic officials.
The recognition comes at a time when universities are being encouraged to align academic programmes more closely with employability. University officials said the new status will help expand access to skill training, especially for students outside traditional education pathways, with a focus on improving job readiness and creating opportunities for youth, women, and underserved communities.