LUCKNOW, April 10 -- With a new vice-chancellor at the helm, the University of Lucknow (LU) is looking to boost student employability by introducing industry-oriented programmes, including two new BCom courses set to roll out from July this year. According to the India Skills Report 2025, only around 55% of Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) graduates are considered employable, with the rest lacking industry-relevant skills in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. In response, LU is planning to launch BCom in Retail Management and BCom in E-Commerce to bridge this gap. Both programmes are proposed in an eight-semester format, with a mandatory two-semester apprenticeship component. Students will earn 16 credits per semester during the apprenticeship phase - eight based on submission of a report and eight through viva-voce and final presentation, said prof Ram Milan, head of the commerce department. "Designed in compliance with the National Education Policy, 2020, these new-gen 'oriental' courses will help students become employable. These programmes are designed in a way that students become capable of checking the boxes required for job opportunities," he added. Prof Milan said that even affiliated colleges would be able to offer the courses. "Both the courses are designed as per the directive of UP government which will help students in providing apprenticeship," he added. Under the structure, students will receive a certificate after the first two semesters, a diploma after the third and fourth, and a graduation degree after completing six semesters. Those who complete the full two-year apprenticeship will be awarded a BCom (Hons) with apprenticeship. A course in finance, banking and insurance is also being started in the applied economics department. "These courses are being planned for those disciplines which require practical knowledge and field exposure. It will ensure students become more industry-ready when compared to the normal courses," LU vice-chancellor prof JP Saini said....