A Guide on the National Skills Qualification Framework

A degree ultimately proves to be inconsequential and useless if the degree holder does not possess the skills to back it up. This phenomenon has extended far beyond being just a mere trend and characterises the ground reality of most industries and employment opportunities.

Fresh graduates settling for low-paying jobs or working in a field different from their area of study or facing unemployment is a prevalent issue among Indian youths. That is why a well-structured skill framework like NSQF is necessary that can ensure a cohesive educational and skill development of learners.

But what is NSQF? Let us find out:

What is NSQF?

NSQF, or National Skills Qualifications Framework, is a skill-based framework that has been developed according to a structured series of skills, knowledge, and competencies. It includes ten levels, wherein level one denotes the lowest complexity of particular aptitude, whereas level ten denotes the highest complexity.

Besides, the need for the framework arises from the existing segregation between general and vocational education. Furthermore, the misconception about vocational education and unclear progression pathways between the academic system is a major concern as well.

However, the framework facilitates a systematic structure for the timely creation and maintenance of progression pathways. Consequently, students can move through general academic and vocational courses. Simultaneously, it aims to align the Indian qualifications to international qualifications through strategic bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Objectives of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)

Structured Skill Assessment

The National Skills Qualifications Framework provides a carefully designed structure to assess and certify competencies and skills across various areas. It also enhances the overall qualifications of an individual, enabling organisations and employers to determine various qualifications.

Increasing Job Readiness

One of the most primary objectives is to make learners job-ready by teaching them in-demand and industry-specific skills. Besides, the NSQF-certified courses and training programs prepare individuals to face the 21st-century workplace.

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

The framework promotes the national and international mobility of individuals by aligning the qualifications with the international standards. In effect, it will allow skilled workers to go abroad and pursue employment in their respective fields.

Outcome-Based Development

An outcome-based mechanism is a key aspect of the framework, which allows learners to progress through different competencies (skill levels), depending on their aptitude. As a result, they are able to inculcate core skills, helping them advance in diverse careers.

10 Levels of National Skills Qualifications Framework

A set of descriptors comprising five outcome statements is central to each NSQF level; these outcome statements represent the following five domains:

• Process
• Professional Knowledge
• Professional Skill
• Core Skill and
• Responsibility

The ten levels signifying the varying levels of complexity of the learning outcomes are as follows:

1. Level One

The first level relates to entry-level skills, wherein the learner must execute repetitive processes regularly and must possess the basic core skills of reading, writing, addition, subtraction, etc.

2. Level Two

In the second level, learners learn to carry out repetitive activities with regular practice by understanding the context of work and quality.

3. Level Three

Individuals execute a limited range of activities, which requires them to recall information and demonstrate practical skills.

4. Level Four

At level four, individuals possess factual knowledge of specific fields and can take responsibility for their own work.

5. Level Five

Level five indicates a breakthrough and a gradual progression, wherein individuals develop sufficient practical and cognitive skills to complete a given task. Furthermore, they have the necessary skills to solve problems through specific methods.

6. Level Six

Level six is a technical and supervisory level, which requires individuals to apply a series of specialised technical skills in various activities. Also, this level demands people to use appropriate skills to solve particular problems in areas of work and study.

7. Level Seven

Level seven is often considered a managerial level that demands individuals to have a wide variety of theoretical and practical competencies. In fact, individuals who reach this level must take full responsibility for the outcome and development of individual and group work.

8. Level Eight

This is a professional level that signifies an individual’s capability to use cognitive and theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The aim is to develop creative solutions to handle perplexing issues through good communication and critical thinking abilities.

9. Level Nine

Level Nine is a senior managerial level that emphasises the combined implementation of advanced knowledge and analytical thinking. It relies on independent research work and responsible decision-making to manage unpredictable academic/work situations.

10. Level Ten

Level ten is the highest level of the framework that signifies advanced or expert-level problem-solving and knowledge acquisition. Learners or individuals must take well-thought-out strategic steps to resolve complex situations.

How Do Students Benefit From the National Qualifications Framework?

NSQF contributes to students’ skill development, enhances their overall capacity to function effectively in varied workspaces, and provides additional advantages such as:

• Students can learn industry-relevant skills, increasing the possibility of securing preferred job positions.
• Flexible learning pathways enable students to progress at their own pace.
• The framework’s skill-level structure allows students to progress through different levels depending on their individual competencies, making them adept in veritable skills.
• Instills lifelong learning in students, encouraging them to explore and learn continuously.
• The credit transfer system enables students to move between learning programs and transfer the credits of prior learning experiences.

The Implementation of NSQF

Many stakeholders are responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of National Standards Qualifications Framework, which are as follows:

• National Skill Development Agency (NSDA)
• Sector Skills Councils (SSCs)
• Central Ministries
• State Governments
• Regulatory Institutions
• Training Providers/Institutes/Institutions

Furthermore, the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) approved institutes that carry out skill development programs. They prioritise collaboration with certification bodies, helping to ensure that the programs align with NSQF standards.

What’s more, the Ministry of Education Government of India’s centrally sponsored scheme, Samagra Shiksha, integrates vocational and general education. The scheme allows 9th to 12th-standard students to access NSQF-compliant courses.

On the other hand, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has sanctioned higher educational institutes across India to offer varied programs such as:

• Full-time credit-based programs
• Certificate programs
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• B. Voc
• P.G. Diploma
• M. Voc. and Research

However, developing appropriate curriculum and competency-based assessments manually is time-consuming and tedious. That is where higher educational institutes can leverage solutions of MasterSoft ERP to automate administrative activities and streamline skill enhancement programs.

Facilitate High-Quality Skill Development Programs with MasterSoft

MasterSoft ERP Solutions is a renowned name in the ed-tech space that has carved a niche through innovative tools. It has been in operation for more than 22 years and has onboarded more than 2000 institutes. One of its most in-demand solutions is the learning management system that offers robust modules and customisations, helping institutes to:

• Track the ongoing student progress.
• Create and conduct formative assessments.
• Generate weekly and monthly performance reports.
• Develop personalised learning plans.