IGNOU & GIZ Introduce Two Micro-Credential Courses for Learners: Check Complete Details

On​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the occasion of its 40th Foundation Day, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) introduced two micro-credential courses created in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany’s agency for international cooperation. The announcement was made at the IGNOU headquarters in the presence of Prof Peter Scott, President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Prof Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU and GIZ representatives.

IGNOU has launched two new courses: "Unpacking AI: Practical Foundations for Non-Tech Students and "Unpacking Data: Practical Foundations for Non-Tech Students. These courses are intended for students without a technological background who wish to understand the digital and analytical concepts at the basic level that are becoming more and more a part of the modern work environment. The university said that the courses would be available on the SWAYAM platform from January 2026.

These micro-credentials will explain the fundamental concepts, instruments, and applications in artificial intelligence and data-driven systems. The program is designed to deliver practical learning, thus students and professionals can acquire the skills that will make them employable in different sectors like the services, education, administration, and digital ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌industries.

IGNOU’s New Micro-Credential Courses: Objectives and Key Focus Areas

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has stated that the step is in alignment with the trend of demand for essential digital skills due to the technological advancement of workplaces. These courses have been structured in a way that they offer brief and modular learning pathways that a student can opt for either individually or combine to fulfil higher academic or professional objectives.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Uma Kanjilal, in her address at the Foundation Day Function, informed that the micro-credentials "mirror our vision to innovate learning pathways that are flexible, relevant, and future-work aligned." She further added that the partnership with GIZ propels IGNOU’s strategy to broaden the introduction of capacity-building programs in new and upcoming domains.

GIZ Senior Management highlighted the necessity of well-structured digital learning for non-tech users. They said such initiatives lead to the inclusion of more people in a technology-driven economy. Besides, they argued that only a few very basic and targeted courses might be the key to solving the problem of digital readiness among different learner groups.