The Core Principle: Stackable Credentials
Design the courses as a “stackable” program, where each level adds value and credibility, leading to a more significant qualification. This attracts a wider range of students.
1. The 3-Month Course: “Certificate in Event Management”
This is your entry-level program. For this, you have two excellent options:
- Option A (Recommended for Start): Institute-Certified Course
- Awarded by: Padmavati Institute of Event Management (a unit of Padmavati Charitable Trust).
- Value Proposition: The certificate’s value will be directly linked to the industry reputation you build. Mentioning the practical training partnership with Access Event and Communication Pvt. Ltd. (AECPL) on the certificate will be a massive credibility boost, given their impressive portfolio (as seen in your table).
- Marketing Angle: “Learn from the team that executes events for the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
- Option B (For Enhanced National Credibility): NSDC/THSC Certified Course
- Awarded by: Padmavati Institute, but the curriculum and assessment are aligned with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) norms.
- Process: You become a training partner with THSC. They provide the standardized curriculum, and you conduct the training. The final assessment can be done by them or as per their guidelines.
- Advantage: The student gets a THSC/NSDC certificate, which is recognized by the Government of India and across the industry. This greatly enhances employment opportunities.
Conclusion for 3-month course: Start with Option A to launch quickly, and simultaneously apply for Option B to upgrade the certificate’s national value.
2. The 5-Month Course: “Advanced Certificate in Event Management”
This should be a significant step up, requiring the 3-month certificate as a prerequisite or having more stringent entry criteria.
- The “Advanced” Differentiation: It must include specialized modules that go beyond basics, for example:
- Advanced Project Management for Mega-Events
- Budgeting and Financial Control for Large Budgets
- Risk Management and Crisis Communication
- Digital Marketing and Virtual Event Management
- Technical Operations (Audio-Visual, Lighting, Stage Design)
- Certification Path:
- Primary Route: This is the perfect candidate for NSDC/THSC Certification. A 5-month, ~500-hour course fits well into the skill council framework for a “Advanced Certificate” or “Diploma” level qualification.
- Awarding Body: The certificate would be co-branded or issued under the authority of the Skill Council.
This gives the 5-month course a strong, government-recognized credential that is highly valued in the job market.
3. The 1-Year Course: “Post Graduate Diploma / Diploma in Event Management”
This is your flagship program and deserves the highest level of credentialing. You have two clear paths here:
Path 1: The University Affiliation Route (Gold Standard)
- What it is: Affiliating with a established UGC-recognized University.
- Model:
- Autonomous College: Complex and long-term. Not recommended initially.
- Collaboration: Partner with a university to offer a “Post-Graduate Diploma in Event Management” or a “Diploma” under their banner.
- Study Center: Your institute becomes a “Study Center” or “Collaborative Institute” for that university.
- Process: You will need to approach universities (state private universities are often more flexible) and get their approval for your curriculum, faculty, and infrastructure.
- Advantage: The student receives a University Diploma/Degree, which has the highest academic and industry recognition. It allows for global mobility and higher education prospects.
- Challenge: Can be time-consuming and may involve sharing revenue with the university.
Path 2: The NSDC “Diploma” Route (Faster & Industry-Focused)
- What it is: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has a framework for “Diploma” level courses that are equivalent to a 1-year program.
- Process: Work with THSC or the relevant Sector Skill Council to get your 1-year course approved as a Skill Diploma.
- Advantage:
- National Recognition: The “Diploma” is recognized by the Government and industries.
- Speed: This is faster to set up than a university affiliation.
- Funding: May open avenues for government skill development scholarships for your students.
- Value: A NSDC “Diploma” is a very robust and respected qualification in the corporate world.
Recommended Strategy & Implementation Roadmap
Phase 1: Launch (Months 1-3)
- Launch the 3-month “Certificate” course under the institute’s own brand, heavily leveraging AECPL’s industry credentials.
- Simultaneously, begin the application process to become a training partner with THSC/NSDC.
Phase 2: Consolidate (Months 4-6)
- Launch the 5-month “Advanced Certificate” as a THSC-certified program once the partnership is approved.
- Start designing the 1-year diploma curriculum.
Phase 3: Scale (Months 7-12)
- Launch the 1-year “Diploma in Event Management” under the NSDC/THSC “Skill Diploma” framework. This is your most achievable and credible flagship program initially.
- Parallel Track: Begin exploratory talks with universities for a long-term affiliation to upgrade your 1-year program in the future.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Course Duration | Suggested Name | Recommended Awarding Body | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | Certificate in Event Management | Institute (PCT) + NSDC/THSC (Target) | Quick launch, strong industry backing |
| 5 Months | Advanced Certificate in Event Management | NSDC/THSC (Primary) | Government-recognized, enhances employability |
| 1 Year | Diploma/Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management | NSDC/THSC “Skill Diploma” (Faster) Affiliated University (Long-term goal) | Highest credential, national portability, treated as a formal qualification |
