Page 10 - Guidelines to Provide Equitable Opportunity forthe SocioEconomically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in the HEI

2.1.1 Objectives of Bridge courses:

1. To facilitate the students to overcome challenges in their learning process.
2. To assist students with different learning abilities and multiple challenges to perform at
optimal level.
3. To act as a buffer for the new students.
4. To provide adequate time to the SEDGs students for smooth transition.
5. To provide knowledge on core courses and prepare the students for the identified courses
which will commence in the forthcoming sessions/semesters.
6. To equip the students with the necessary knowledge and confidence to take on more
challenges.

2.1.2 Measures to be taken by the HEIs:

The HEIs shall undertake some actionable steps to introduce relevant bridge courses. The
infrastructural and other facilities in the HEIs shall be utilized to realize the objectives of the
bridge courses. These shall include the following:

1. Bridge courses for students with learning difficulty and challenges could be conducted
for all Semesters of all courses and for such duration as needed by SEDGs. These classes
are conducted for students to assist them in achieving expected competencies in subjects.
Bridge courses can also be taken from online platforms such as SWAYAM.
2. Orientation courses may be conducted for the freshers to enable them for smooth
transition. These courses may include mathematics, computers, communication skills,
accounting, etc., designed to connect a student’s previous course.

2.1.3 Broad areas to enhance employability:

a) The national development concerns, development perspectives, and priorities.
b) Connect with the community, world of work, and global society.
c) Self-empowerment, motivation, teamwork, and leadership development.
d) Effective learning in a constructive and creative way with competence and confidence;
life skills including effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, design
thinking, creative thinking, critical and scientific thinking, interpersonal skills, self-
awareness, empathy, equanimity, coping with stress, and resilience.
e) Emerging career opportunities and challenges.
f) E-learning resources and use of digital technology, application of Information and
Communications Technology (ICT), and responsible social media uses.

2.2 Earn-while-Learn Scheme

The Earn-while-Learn (EwL) scheme is a means to help the SEDGs students earn and support their
education and acquire skills and capabilities that would enhance their employability. It attempts to
mitigate the economic hardships of learning and enhance the learner’s adaptability; both will improve
the quality of education making it a purposeful endeavour. It provides the students opportunities to
develop their personality, gain technical skills and build their entrepreneurial ability, which would help
them take up professional assignments relatively faster. Under this scheme, opportunities for part-time
engagement are provided to needy students. The indicative list of such engagement opportunities may

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University Grants Commission