The first batch of B.Voc. courses was launched in 2015-16 as additional stream in selected colleges across the country in a variety of fields such as agriculture, fashion designing, healthcare, travel and tourism, IT, retail management, banking and finance, and many more. In first batch, 8 Degree Colleges/Universities of Assam, namely Abhayapuri College, Chaiduar College, Jagiroad College, Kaliabar College, Nazira College, Pub-Kamrup College, Sonapur College, and Tezpur University started B.Voc.. At present, total 27 Colleges of Assam are running B.Voc. courses in more than 23 trades.

Today, the Higher education ecosystem of Assam is confined only to knowledge-based approach. In a knowledge-based approach, the focus is on providing students with a strong theoretical foundation, but not skill based education for employment. In such approach, there are limited career options, lack of employability skills, overemphasis on grades, lack of practical experience and inadequate preparation for the workforce. Though many colleges have B.Voc. courses as skill courses as an additional stream, and many Colleges of Assam initiated various skill courses in collaboration with NSDC like under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma, etc., however, this initiative unable to fulfil the holistic need for skill-based education.

The integration of skill education with mainstream education is becoming increasingly important as societies continue to evolve and adapt to rapid technological advancements and changing job markets. There is a need for a shift in the education system towards a more holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning experiences. This can involve incorporating skill-based courses into the curriculum, providing resources and training for teachers, and adopting alternative forms of assessment that recognize and value practical skills.

One of the main advantages of integrating skill education with mainstream education is that it allows students to acquire essential skills that are in demand in the current job market. These skills may include technical skills like coding, data analysis, and digital literacy, as well as soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. By incorporating these skills into their education, students are better equipped to meet the demands of employers and compete in today's job market. Furthermore, integrating skill education with mainstream education can help bridge the gap between education and employment. Many employers struggle to find candidates who possess the necessary skills for the job, despite having a suitable academic background. By integrating skill education into mainstream education, institutions can work closely with industry partners to develop curriculums that align with the needs of the job market, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for the workforce.

In conclusion, skill education plays a crucial role in reducing unemployment in Assam by enhancing employability, addressing skill gaps, promoting entrepreneurship, and boosting economic growth. It is essential for the government and industries to continue investing in skill development programs to create a skilled workforce and reduce unemployment in the State.