O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) – a non-profit, multi-disciplinary and research-oriented Institute of Eminence has launched the country’s first Co-op Bachelor’s Degree program designed to equip students with a full year of real-world work experience even before they graduate. These programs will be offered by the Jindal School of Banking & Finance.
Designed for Class 12 graduates from science or humanities backgrounds, the 3-year program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering three cutting-edge specialisations: a) AI & Finance, b) Finance & Entrepreneurship, and c) International Accounting & Finance, the latter being aligned with the globally recognised ACCA pathway.
Built around the growing demand for tech-savvy finance professionals, each specialisation integrates AI and emerging technology coursework with deep domain knowledge to prepare students for next-generation roles in FinTech, Consulting, Startups, and Global Finance.
The announcement was made at an industry-academia event hosted in Mumbai, attended by prominent leaders from the education, higher academia, and technology ecosystem.
The program’s unique 4+4+4 model – 4 months online learning, 4 months on-campus immersion, and 4 months of on-the-job training, ensures students graduate with hands-on experience, industry exposure, and academic credits that exceed traditional degrees. The program is powered by upGrad as its official technology and learning enablement partner, ensuring high-quality delivery at scale, enhanced access, and industry-aligned digital infrastructure to support student success across geographies. The rigorous yet flexible academic program structure and credits provide a smoother pathway to premier higher education in India and globally.
The future of education must be deeply integrated with the future of work,” said Dr Hemant Manuj, Executive Dean, Jindal School of Banking & Finance, speaking at the event. “Traditional learning models were designed for a world that no longer exists. Today’s industries demand adaptability, cross-functional skills, and real-world experience. This program is not just a curriculum innovation – it’s a systemic intervention to prepare students for the future from Day 1.”
Despite India’s high graduate output, employability remains a major concern, especially in tech-driven domains like finance and AI. JGU’s Co-op Bachelor’s model addresses this head-on – offering one full year of integrated industry experience to ensure graduates are job-ready for today and tomorrow’s jobs.
The Finance & Entrepreneurship track encourages students to build their own ventures, even allowing them to pursue Co-op / Blended internships within their startups.
The university is inviting enrolments, and the first cohort is set to commence in September this year: https://rb.gy/v3b779
