BRAOU Stipend-Based Apprenticeship Program

A great initiative has been moved forward by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, set to redefine higher education in collaboration with the Retailers Association Skill Council of India (RASCI), by launching a Stipend-Based Apprenticeship Program (SAP).

This initiative is about more than education — it’s about providing real work experience, financial independence, and a strong career foundation, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. During the apprenticeship, students will also receive a stipend ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹24,000, based on the program selected.

This initiative is officially named “PILOT,” which stands for Promoting Innovation Lead Over Tradition. It reflects the aim of enhancing skill experience in an engaging way.

The project mainly focuses on the four I’s: Individual, Institute, Industry, and India.

The goal is to:

• Enhance the skills of individuals
• Make students more competitive
• Promote more collaborative institutes
• Build a stronger corporate India

Why This BRAOU Collaboration Matters

BRAOU, known for making education accessible through its open and distance learning model, has impacted over a million students since 1982. With 10 regional coordination centers and 104 learner support centers across Telangana, the university has been a lifeline for learners who couldn’t follow the traditional college route. Now, it’s taking things further by integrating industry exposure into its curriculum.

RASCI, on the other hand, is the go-to organization for skill development in India’s retail sector. Backed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) and recognized by NCVET, RASCI brings in deep industry alignment, job-ready certifications, and training expertise. Together, BRAOU and RASCI are creating something powerful — a model where students don’t just study, but also gain real-world skills and earn a living while they’re at it.

Introducing PILOT: Promoting Innovation Lead Over Tradition

This isn’t just a random name slapped on a new project. The initiative has been thoughtfully titled PILOT — Promoting Innovation Lead Over Tradition. The idea is simple but powerful: challenge outdated systems and equip students with skills that actually prepare them for today’s job market.
The program is built around what RASCI calls the “Four I’s”:

• Individual – Help students gain confidence, skills, and real experience.
• Institute – Create collaborative learning that mixes theory and practical exposure.
• Industry – Bring real business needs and mentorship into education.
• India – Contribute to a stronger, job-ready youth population.

How the Curriculum Works: Built by Industry, for Industry

Unlike traditional university syllabi, the content for this apprenticeship is based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) — frameworks developed by the retail industry itself. These standards are laser-focused on practical job roles like retail associate, team leader, store manager, and more.

Once the NOS is approved by the National Skills Qualification Committee (NSQC), RASCI creates detailed learning materials. These are available in both print and digital formats, making it accessible no matter where the student is.

And because RASCI is an NCVET-approved awarding body, every certification received through this program is officially recognized and aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF). In the near future, this could mean credits earned here might even be interchangeable with regular university coursework — making vocational and academic education more flexible.

BRAOU Apprenticeship Program – Key Benefits

This collaboration provides valuable benefits to students, which include:

Competitive Edge & Real-World Experience: Students gain practical exposure alongside their academic studies, giving them an advantage in the job market.

Industry Connections & Job Opportunities: Direct links to the retail industry open doors for future employment and valuable networking.

Faster Professional Growth: Hands-on training accelerates career development and boosts confidence in real work environments.

“Two-Parent” Curation: The program is guided by both academic (BRAOU) and industry (RASCI) mentors, offering a balanced learning approach.

Economic Independence: With a stipend ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹24,000, students can support themselves financially during the course.

Program Highlights at a Glance

Feature	Details
Stipend	₹7,000 – ₹24,000 per month
Eligibility	UG students or grads aged 18–28 from BRAOU
Location	Any of the 10 study centres across Telangana
Institutional First	BRAOU = first open university to sign MoU with RASCI
Skill‑Industry Blend	Built on RASCI’s Four‑I model and integrated learning experience

Who Can Join the BRAOU Stipend Program?

The program is inclusive and designed for a wide spectrum of learners:

New students enrolling in any UG stream — B.A., B.Com., or B.Sc.

• Existing BRAOU students, regardless of which academic year they joined
• Alumni who have completed their UG degrees but haven’t yet found employment

While the Vice Chancellor did mention that “we have almost 1.46 lakh learners enrolled with us in that age group… lesser than 28 years”, this refers to the general demographic of BRAOU’s student base. It’s not stated as a strict eligibility condition for the program. The real eligibility criteria focus on whether you’re a current or past BRAOU student. That’s it. Age is not a barrier.

Stipend & Salary: What Students Can Expect to Earn

The Stipend-Based Apprenticeship Program (SAP) by BRAOU and RASCI ensures students receive a guaranteed minimum stipend aligned with the Government of India’s official norms. If selected for full-time roles, candidates are also assured salaries that meet or exceed their respective state’s minimum wage laws. This financial backing isn’t symbolic—it’s a structural promise. Most partnering retailers are known to pay generously, often offering stipends equal to what they pay regular employees, with some roles fetching ₹24,000 to ₹25,000 per month even for freshers.

Beyond just covering costs, the program enables students to become economically independent. In many cases, a single month’s stipend is enough to fund an entire year of academic fees. Plus, there’s real potential to earn more based on your skills. If you have experience in areas like computers, accounts, or retail tech, your stipend could exceed the base significantly. In short, SAP isn’t just about training—it’s a rare opportunity to learn, earn, and grow at the same time.

In short:

• ₹7,000–₹9,000/month is the minimum safety net
• ₹15,000–₹25,000/month is common in active sectors

Skilled profiles may see even higher offers, depending on performance and placement

How to Apply for the BRAOU Stipend Apprenticeship Program

Applying for the Stipend-Based Apprenticeship Program (SAP) offered by BRAOU in collaboration with RASCI is simple and can be done online in just a few minutes.

Follow These Steps:

Step 1: Visit the official application form: Click here to apply

Step 2: Fill in your basic details, including:

• Your name
• Contact number & email
• Enrollment number (if you’re a current BRAOU student)
• Course details (UG stream: B.A., B.Com., or B.Sc.)
• District/Study Centre

Step 3: Submit the form once all fields are completed.

After submission, wait for communication from your Regional Coordination Centre or the Skill Development Center for next steps, such as orientation or placement support.

Watch the below video to get the more information on BRAOU Stipend Program 2025-2026.

Frequently Asked Questions