What is the full form of NSQF

NSQF: National Skills Qualifications Framework

The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) was introduced by the Government of India in 2013 to organize qualifications based on levels of knowledge, aptitude, and skills. This framework is covered under the Indian Polity section of the UPSC Syllabus in General Studies Paper 2. The NSQF establishes levels corresponding to students' or apprentices' learning outcomes and knowledge, regardless of whether they acquired those skills through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has aligned its courses with the National Skills Qualifications Framework to ensure standardized training and learning across all programs. This competency-based framework aims to create a skilled workforce that adheres to standardized practices and enables horizontal and vertical mobility in their careers.

In support of NSQF-aligned training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched an instructional trainer manual. This manual guides imparting training that is in line with the NSQF requirements. Additionally, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the DGT, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Adobe India, emphasizing the importance of skill development in the collaboration between these entities.

What is NSQF?: Detailed Explained

The NSQF functions as a framework for ensuring quality standards. It is a nationally unified system that combines education and competency-based skills, offering various routes for advancement in vocational education, vocational training, general education, and technical education. This integration allows for horizontal and vertical progression, enabling learners to move across different levels of learning and connecting them to higher levels of education.

Provisions of NSQF

The NSQF's integration of various levels enables students to attain the desired levels of competence, navigate transitions in the job market, and continually augment their skills to enhance their abilities at their own pace. Additionally, the NSQF will deliver the following benefits:

• This goal will be realized by implementing national policies that ascertain skill proficiency and competencies across diverse levels to establish international comparability.
• The NSQF includes arrangements for progressive pathways that align with the skill qualifications framework.
• The NSQF also offers provisions for flexible entry and exit points, allowing individuals to transition seamlessly between skill training, vocational education, job markets, general education, and technical education.
• Collaborations with industries and markets are established to gain insights into the requirements of the job market.
• The NSQF creates opportunities that foster a culture of lifelong learning, education, and skill enhancement.
• The NSQF strives to establish a credible, transparent, and accountable mechanism for skill development across various sectors.
• The NSQF offers enhanced opportunities that acknowledge and promote early learning potential.

Objectives of NSQF

• The NSQF accommodates the diverse nature of the country's education and training systems.
• The NSQF establishes a framework for the upkeep and advancement of progressive pathways, which facilitate the attainment of qualifications and enable smooth transitions between diverse sectors of training, education, and the labor market.
• Enabling the formulation of universally recognized qualifications at each level nationwide.
• The NSQF strengthens and facilitates the international and national mobility of individuals possessing qualifications aligned with its standards by enhancing the recognition of the value and comparability of Indian qualifications.
• The NSQF allows individuals to advance in their training and education while also providing recognition for their prior experiences and learning.

Problems Faced By NSQF

• Non-Alignment: The lack of alignment between the Ministry of Skill Development, which oversees vocational courses outside the university and school system, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, responsible for vocational courses within schools and universities, has created a disconnect. This disconnect has resulted in fragmentation and inefficiencies within the vocational education sector. The absence of a cohesive approach between these ministries has led to coordination challenges, duplication of efforts, and difficulties in establishing a seamless progression pathway for vocational education across various levels.
• Lack of clear course curriculum: The lack of a clearly defined course curriculum within the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) for enabling upward mobility, similar to general academic education, is a notable concern. A well-structured and articulated curriculum within the NSQF is necessary to ensure its potential to offer progressive pathways for learners, hindering their ability to advance and excel in vocational education and training. This disparity in curriculum development and implementation creates a disparity in opportunities for upward mobility, as learners may need help acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to higher levels within the vocational education system.
• Lack of connection: The need for more linkage between tertiary-level vocational courses and practical experience and the application of theoretical knowledge in vocational fields is a significant issue. There exists a gap in connecting the theoretical aspects taught in vocational courses at the tertiary level with the practical skills and real-world knowledge required in vocational fields. This disconnect hampers the ability of learners to effectively apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings, limiting their readiness for the workforce and hindering their overall competence in vocational fields.
• Absence of holistic training: To enhance the competitiveness of skilled trainees at the international level, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) should incorporate skills from broader occupational groups into their training programs. It is essential to broaden the scope of skill training provided by NSDC to encompass a wide range of occupational domains, enabling trainees to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to compete effectively on the global stage. By expanding the coverage of skills to include diverse occupational groups, NSDC can equip trainees with the comprehensive skill sets required to excel internationally and meet the evolving demands of the global job market.

NSQF course list

Here are the different levels and a few examples of courses that fall under each level:

Level 1: Foundation Level

• Certificate in Basic Computer Skills
• Certificate in Electrical Wiring
• Certificate in Plumbing Techniques
• Certificate in Housekeeping Skills

Level 2: Certificate Level

• Certificate in Automotive Servicing
• Certificate in Retail Sales Associate
• Certificate in Beauty Therapy
• Certificate in Welding Techniques

Level 3: Diploma Level

• Diploma in Hotel Management
• Diploma in Web Development
• Diploma in Event Management
• Diploma in Graphic Designing

Level 4: Advanced Diploma Level

• Advanced Diploma in Fashion Designing
• Advanced Diploma in Automotive Engineering
• Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing
• Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering

Level 5: Associate Degree Level

• Associate Degree in Business Administration
• Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
• Associate Degree in Information Technology
• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering

Level 6: Bachelor's Degree Level

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
• Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

Level 7: Master's Degree Level

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Technology in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Environmental Science
• Master of Arts in Economics

Please note that this is just a sample list, and the actual NSQF course list is extensive, covering a wide range of sectors and industries. The specific courses and qualifications within the NSQF can vary and are continually updated to meet the evolving needs of industries and job markets.