Starting January 2026, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is offering a fresh push into practical skills for students, professionals and budding entrepreneurs with a suite of 42 short-term, skill-based courses. The programmes, run through the university’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), aim to close the gap between classroom learning and job-market demands. 

The courses range from three to six months in duration, offering both online and offline formats. Eleven of them invite online registration, while the remaining 31 require offline submission of applications. The fee spectrum is accessible starting around ₹5,000 and going up to roughly ₹18,500 making them realistic for a broad audience including fresh school-leavers, college students, working professionals and those exploring entrepreneurship. 

What stands out is the diversity of offerings: digital marketing basics, Python programming, data science, AI & ML fundamentals, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, graphic design, tailoring and dress-making, bakery training, drone technology, electrician and mobile repair, and even startup-catalyst programmes. With such a range, the initiative isn’t just about tech-skills but also trades and hands-on vocational training.

From a human-impact perspective this is timely. Many students and young professionals struggle with employability or finding relevant training that responds to changing industry needs. JMI’s move signals a recognition that the future workforce needs hybrid skills digital and physical, theoretical and practical. For someone looking to pivot careers or build a side hustle, these courses could be a useful stepping stone.

If you’re planning to apply, a few tips: check the mode (online or offline) and timing (some courses are evening or weekend slots); compare fee and duration; ensure you can commit the time; and aim to register before the deadline, since the last date is 30 November 2025. 

In sum, JMI’s programme is a pragmatic bridge between formal higher education and real-world skills. It acknowledges that in today’s job market, agility, hands-on experience and niche-skills often matter as much as- or more than- traditional credentials. For the motivated learner, this could be a very worthwhile opportunity.