Nagpur: The Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has introduced a new Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) for affiliated colleges starting from this academic year. Aimed at providing practical exposure alongside academic learning, the programme offers a unique opportunity for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students, who can now choose a fifth specialisation in Retail Operation Management (ROM).
One of the standout features of this programme is the apprenticeship component, which allows students to earn a stipend ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per month while completing their four-year BBA honours course. As part of the programme, students will work in retail outlets for three days a week, with placements facilitated by the Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI).
Sanjay Kavishwar, Dean of the Commerce and Management faculty at RTMNU, highlighted that the university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RASCI to provide this opportunity to undergraduate students. He emphasized that the curriculum is of high quality, designed by leading industry practitioners, ensuring that students gain relevant and valuable insights into the retail sector.
“The Retail Operations specialisation offers students not only a practical, hands-on approach to learning but also a chance to earn while they study,” Kavishwar said. He also mentioned that students have the option to exit the course after the third year, providing flexibility to those who wish to pursue other career paths.
This new AEDP is expected to provide a significant boost to the employability of students, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that align with the needs of the retail industry. With this initiative, RTMNU is paving the way for innovative educational models that integrate classroom learning with industry experience, setting a new standard for professional education in the region.
Under BBA, the colleges affiliated with the RTMNU had been offering specialisation in marketing, human resources, finance, and business analytics. Following the implementation of National Education Policy 2020, the course now spans four years and students would be awarded BBA honours.