A view of Visvesvaraya Technological University in Belagavi.
\| Photo Credit: File photo

The Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has decided to make the Scouts and Guides course compulsory in its affiliated technical institutions from the current academic year. The course will carry one credit point.

“On the request of The Bharat Scouts and Guides-Karnataka, it has been decided to introduce Scouts and Guides courses in all VTU-affiliated colleges. Engineering students have five credit points for skill development in addition to academic credits, out of which one credit will be allotted to Scouts and Guides,” said S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of VTU.

According to the Union Education Ministry and the Higher Education Department of Karnataka, ‘Rangers and Rovers’ should be compulsory in all higher educational institutions, but this has not been implemented. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 had also proposed the mandatory introduction of Scouts and Guides in higher education, but the same was not included in the State Education Policy (SEP). In Karnataka, there are over 5 lakh students enrolled in Scouts and Guides at the school level.

P.G.R. Sindhia, former Minister and State Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, submitted a request to the VTU to make it compulsory and also reserve some credits.

“Bharat Scouts and Guides is a character-building organisation. Those who join will develop a spirit of service and dedication. We recently discussed incorporating this into the higher education curriculum at a Vice-Chancellors’ meeting held in Mumbai. Arts, Science, Engineering and Medical courses should all introduce Scouts and Guides, especially Rangers and Rovers,” said Mr. Sindhia.

“Rangers and Rovers are the senior wing of the Scouts and Guides movement for college students and youth aged 16 to 25. Rovers is for male students and Rangers for young women. The programme focuses on self-development, leadership, community service and outdoor adventure,” he added.

Mr. Sindhia also urged the VTU to start a certificate course to train teachers in Scouts and Guides to address the shortage of such instructors across the State.

“We want VTU to offer a special course to train teachers. As we provide the syllabus, the university will not incur any expenditure,” he said.

Published - July 22, 2026 08:51 pm IST