1. Introduction
The establishment of Private Skill Universities under the Maharashtra Private Skills Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2024 represents a significant transformation in higher education, with a strong focus on employability, industry readiness, and competency-based learning. Maharashtra has introduced a dedicated legislative framework to promote skill-oriented higher education through self-financed private skill universities aligned with industry needs and economic development priorities.
This knowledge paper provides an overview of the legislative framework, the rationale behind the initiative, the process for establishment of a private skill university, the existing ecosystem of skill universities in Maharashtra, and the role of Eduprogress in supporting skill university establishment, higher education planning, and institutional development.
2. Legislative Framework
The establishment and regulation of private skill universities in Maharashtra is governed by The Maharashtra Private Skills Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2024 (Maharashtra Act No. XXXV of 2024). The Act falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra.
The Act is published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette on 7 August 2024, following the assent of the Hon’ble Governor. The legislation establishes a structured regulatory framework for private skill university establishment in Maharashtra, defining governance structures, regulatory compliance requirements, academic expectations, operational norms, and quality assurance mechanisms for skill-based higher education institutions.
The Act supports the development of industry-aligned skill universities, promotes competency-based education, and provides regulatory clarity for promoters seeking to establish self-financed private skill universities in the State of Maharasthra.
3. Rationale For Launching Skill Universities
The Act is introduced in response to the growing demand for industry-aligned education and the need to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting emerging economic sectors. The key objectives include:
- Developing skilled and competent youth across multiple proficiency levels through skill-based higher education.
- Promoting competency-based education aligned with industry requirements and the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF).
- Encouraging innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and new-age academic programs.
- Strengthening sectors such as Automotive, Apparel, Aviation, Media, Healthcare, Hospitality, Logistics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Agri Business aligned with Industry 4.0.
- Enhancing employment potential through apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and industry collaboration.
- Establishing centres of excellence and advanced skill development infrastructure.
- Supporting inclusive growth through skill development initiatives for women, farmers, weaker sections, and local communities.
This initiative supports Maharashtra’s vision of improving employability, reducing unemployment, and aligning education with future job markets and economic growth through employment-oriented university models.
4. Process For Establishment of a Private Skill University
Before initiating the establishment process, the sponsoring body must ensure compliance with key eligibility criteria prescribed under the Act, including legal status, financial capability, land availability, and institutional preparedness.
The Act provides a structured and multi-stage process for establishing a self-financed private skill university:
4.1 Application and Detailed Project Report (DPR)
A sponsoring body such as a registered society, public trust, or company submits an application along with a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the State Government. The DPR includes promoter background, financial capability, infrastructure planning, academic vision, industry relevance, phased development plans, financial projections, governance structure, and regulatory compliance commitments.
This stage is critical for effective university DPR preparation and skill university project planning.
4.2 Scrutiny by Government Committee
A Scrutiny Committee evaluates the proposal based on financial soundness, institutional capability, relevance of proposed programs, and alignment with state skill development priorities. Additional clarifications may be sought during this stage.
4.3 Issuance of Letter of Intent (LoI)
Upon satisfaction, the Government issues a Letter of Intent specifying compliance requirements such as establishment of an endowment fund, land ownership, infrastructure readiness, faculty appointments, and adherence to UGC and other statutory norms.
4.4 Compliance and Verification
The sponsoring body fulfills the LoI conditions within the prescribed timeline. A Verification Committee conducts a physical inspection and submits its report to the Government.
4.5 Establishment through Legislative Process
Upon successful compliance, the Government approves the establishment by including the university in the Schedule of the Act through legislative amendment. The university is incorporated as a body corporate with perpetual succession and operates as a non-affiliating, unitary institution.
4.6 Post-Establishment Operationalization
A Secretary-level committee verifies operational readiness. Following approval and Gazette notification, the university is permitted to commence admissions. Continuous inspection, regulatory compliance, and establishment of an Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) are mandatory for quality assurance and accreditation readiness.
5. List of State Private Skill Universities in Maharashtra
At present, as of the beginning of 2026, the following institutions form part of the Maharasthra’s evolving skill university ecosystem:
- ATLAS SkillTech University, Mumbai
- Maharashtra State Skills University (Ratan Tata MSSU), Mumbai
- G.H. Raisoni International Skill Tech University, Pune
- G.H. Raisoni Skill Tech University, Nagpur
- Universal SkillTech University, Vasai
- Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
- ITM Skills University, Navi Mumbai
These institutions reflect the growing adoption of skill-focused university models and industry-integrated education frameworks within the State.
6. Role of Eduprogress in the Establishment of a Skill University
Eduprogress and Research Pvt. Ltd. provides end-to-end advisory and implementation support across the lifecycle of establishing a private skill university. The organization specializes in higher education consulting, university establishment advisory, and skill university project execution across India.
Key areas of support include:
- Conceptualization and feasibility assessment for skill universities.
- Preparation and structuring of applications under the Act.
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation and documentation.
- Strategic academic planning and competency-based curriculum framework development.
- Regulatory and statutory compliance advisory.
- Infrastructure planning and phased campus development guidance.
- Support during scrutiny and physical inspection processes.
- Assistance in accreditation readiness, quality assurance systems, and institutional positioning.
- Operational planning and implementation support from concept to commissioning.
Through structured advisory and execution support, Eduprogress enables promoters to efficiently navigate the private skill university establishment process in Maharashtra and develop sustainable, industry-aligned institutions.
About Eduprogress
Eduprogress and Research Pvt. Ltd. is a higher education consulting organization specializing in university establishment, institutional planning, regulatory advisory, academic framework development, and higher education transformation initiatives. The organization supports institutions from conceptulisation to operationalization, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, industry expectations, and long-term sustainability objectives.
7. Conclusion
The Maharashtra Private Skills Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2024 marks a significant step toward transforming the higher education landscape by integrating skills, employability, and innovation. The establishment of skill universities under this framework has strong potential to strengthen Maharashtra’s human capital ecosystem and respond effectively to evolving industry demands.
A structured and professionally guided approach, supported by expert in higher education consulting and skill university establishment advisory services, ensures long-term academic relevance, industry alignment, and sustainable institutional growth.
