The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. These levels, graded from one to ten, are defined in terms of learning outcomes which the learner must possess regardless of whether they are obtained through formal, non-formal or informal learning. NSQF in India was notified on 27th December 2013. All other frameworks, including the NVEQF (National Vocational Educational Qualification Framework) released by the Ministry of HRD, stand superseded by the NSQF.
Under NSQF, the learner can acquire the certification for competency needed at any level through formal, non-formal or informal learning. In that sense, the NSQF is a quality assurance framework. Presently, more than 100 countries have, or are in the process of developing national qualification frameworks.
The NSQF is anchored at the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) and is being implemented through the National Skills Qualifications Committee (NSQC) which comprises of all key stakeholders. The NSQC's functions amongst others include approving NOSs/QPs, approving accreditation norms, prescribing guidelines to address the needs of disadvantages sections, reviewing inter-agency disputes and alignment of NSQF with international qualification frameworks.
Specific outcomes expected from implementation of NSQF are:
Mobility between vocational and general education by alignment of degrees with NSQF
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing transition from non-formal to organized job market
Standardized, consistent, nationally acceptable outcomes of training across the country through a national quality assurance framework
Global mobility of skilled workforce from India, through international equivalence of NSQF
Mapping of progression pathways within sectors and cross-sectors
Mapping of progression pathways within sectors and cross-sectors
