National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

Established in 2008 by the Ministry of Finance, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) plays a pivotal role in enhancing skill development across the nation. By aligning programs with international standards and supporting private-sector initiatives, NSDC acts as a catalyst to create a skilled, competitive workforce in India.

According to a 2019 report by Business Line, out of the 33.9 lakh candidates trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, a scheme of Skill India Mission, around 10 lakh individuals were able to secure jobs. Such statistics speak volumes about the success of the Skill India programme.

Read on to know more about NSDC and how it is helping the country produce trained manpower.

What is the National Skill Development Corporation?

Incorporated in 2008 under the Companies Act, 1956, The National Skill Development Corporation is a not-for-profit dedicated to assisting and furthering skill development in India. The company was set up by the Ministry of Finance and works under the PPP or Public Private Partnership model. As per official data, the Central Government and the private sector hold 49% and 51% of NSDC’s capital share, respectively

To date, NSDC has helped train over 1.12 crore individuals through 462 training partners and more than 11,000 training centres, successfully offering placement to over 50.68 lakh candidates. It imparts skill training via quality vocational centres and aims to secure funding for training programmes too. Facilitating support systems that specialise in quality assurance is also part of NSDC’s action plan.

Vision of the Skill India Programme

Since NSDC was setup to aid the national skill development mission, it’s important to understand the vision of Skill India Programme as well. Skill India refers to a programme that the Government of India launched in 2015, to build the skill development programmes already in motion in the country. The goal was to venture into newer sectors by empowering youth with high quality training. On the whole, its vision is to train more than 40 crore Indians with relevant skills by 2022.

So while NSDC was already in place since 2008, the approach to skill training is now different. While earlier the focus was on traditional occupations, now, emphasis is placed on all sectors. Moreover, the national skill development movement aims at imparting valuable training to educated persons, college dropouts, and uneducated individuals alike

Concept Of Nsdc: How It Approaches Skill Training

Rather than being an operator, NSDC focuses on mobilising initiatives that can have a widespread effect on skill development. So one can say that it serves as a catalyst in the Skill India mission. Here are some of the important objectives that NSDC has undertaken in the country:

• To enhance skills and take training to international standards through interaction with the industry
• To help organisations, companies and enterprises providing training secure funding
• To put in place frameworks and support services for quality assurance, training standards and course curriculum
• To develop business models that will aid private sector skill training initiatives
• To provide funding to private sector training initiatives via loans, equity, grants, etc.
• To facilitate involvement of the private sector in skill development programmes
  

List Of Skill Development Schemes And Initiatives

As per the NSDC, the 5 main skill development schemes are as follows.

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK)
• Udaan
• International Skill Training
• Technical Intern Training Programme
  

The training programmes have a wide scope and seek to transform the skill training landscape within the country. For example, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra aims to establish model training centres in every district in India, while Udaan is a programme that has been specially created for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Eligibility under NSDC scheme

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) scheme is designed to be inclusive, supporting a wide range of individuals seeking to improve their skills and boost employability. Eligibility for the NSDC scheme typically includes:

• Indian citizens are eligible for the NSDC scheme.
• The targeted age group is typically between 18 to 45 years old.
• Open to school and college dropouts.
• Available to unemployed or underemployed individuals.
• Inclusive of marginalised sections such as women, differently abled individuals, and those from economically weaker sections.
• Specific programs may have additional criteria based on the nature of training and sector focus.
• Some programs may require a basic level of education or prior experience in a particular field.

Overall, the NSDC scheme aims to be accessible to a broad spectrum of individuals seeking to improve their skills and employment prospects.

Benefits of NSDC Scheme

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) scheme offers numerous benefits aimed at enhancing the skill set of the Indian workforce. By providing industry-relevant training and certifications, it empowers individuals with the skills required to meet the demands of various sectors, thereby improving employability and career prospects. The scheme also supports entrepreneurs through specialised programs, fostering innovation and business growth. Additionally, it collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector companies, and educational institutions, to ensure a holistic approach to skill development. This comprehensive framework helps bridge the skill gap in the economy, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and contributes to the overall economic development of the country.

List Of Courses And Training Institutes Under NSDC

The NSDC portal dedicates a page to Skill India courses and training centres. The categories here include industrial training institutes, NSDC fee-based courses, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Technical Intern Training Programmes and Apprenticeship Training. You can enter a particular category to access the relevant training centres. For instance, if you click on Industrial Training Institutes you can use a search tool to find an institute in your state and if you click on PMKVY, you can use the search tool to find a course as per your area of work.

Whether you are a private sector player offering training or a beneficiary seeking to establish a business of your own, you know that funding is an essential part of your journey. One of the best ways to secure large amounts at an economical rate is via a Bajaj Housing Finance Limited Loan Against Property. It offers funding up to Rs. 10.50 crore* for a maximum tenor of 15 years and has simple eligibility criteria. The disbursal time is just 72 hours*, and you can simplify the process further by applying online and opting for the doorstep document pick-up facility.

Is an NSDC certificate valid?

Yes, an NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) certificate is valid and recognised. The NSDC operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India and plays a pivotal role in shaping the country's skilled workforce. The certificate gained after completing an NSDC program serves as significant proof of the skills acquired and is widely recognised by numerous employers, reinforcing your professional abilities and heightening your chances of employment.

Is NSDC government or private?

The NSDC is a unique model of a public-private partnership (PPP). It is a not-for-profit company set up by the Ministry of Finance, operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Though the Indian government holds 49% of the share capital, the remaining 51% is held by the private sector. With this set-up, NSDC benefits from governmental regulations and also harnesses the dynamism and resourcefulness of private sector participation.

Is NSDC training free?

While many skill development programs conducted by NSDC partners require a fee, several schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) do provide free training to eligible candidates. These programs are aimed at making skill development accessible to all, with a special focus on the less privileged sections of the society. It is advisable to check the NSDC's official website or contact their centre to gather detailed information about the costs and any free training opportunities.

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