The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) stands out as an important player in the skill development ecosystem in India. Established to enhance the employability of the Indian workforce, NSDC has made significant strides in the just bygone year in various sectors. Here is an encapsulated review:
Implementation of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)
In 2024, the Skill India Digital Hub set up by the National Skill Development Corporation has emerged as an integral hub for digital learning and skill development. As of today, the portal is offering over 500 courses in emerging fields like AI, drone technology, data science, and cloud computing. The introduction of special courses on AI-driven solutions in agriculture and cybersecurity assumes much importance.
The hub has had remarkable engagement because it boasts more than 1 crore registered users with more than 50 lakh course completions. With a mission to take learners up to 1 lakh by the end of 2025, SIDH is also embracing inclusivity, having enrolled more than 5,000 senior citizens across 505 districts of the country. Engagements with tech giants like Meta for AI-driven learning and Microsoft for hands-on training further added richness to the experience.
Economic Contributions
NSDC’s initiatives have some interesting economic contributions. The organization has led a 3.5% growth in the IT and manufacturing sectors. With the ambition of supporting India’s dream to become a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030, over the next five years, it is expected that NSDC will create more than 5 million jobs in the new-age fields of AI and robotics.
Focus on higher-level courses relating to Industry 4.0 technologies, such as automation and machine learning, ensures that graduates acquire competencies relevant to today’s industry. The establishment of partnerships with international universities has also made it possible to achieve double certification in advanced digital competencies that enhance global employability.
Entrepreneurship Program for Women
In line with the National Goals for Gender Equality and Empowerment, NSDC has launched many initiatives to promote women-led entrepreneurship. Partnering with big organizations such as Britannia Industries and HDFC Bank, NSDC is all set to empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs by 2025 through self-learning courses available in regional languages.
The program offers grants worth ₹10 lakh to the most successful entrepreneurs access to workshops and a ₹150 crore venture capital pool. The initiatives will create around 30 million women-led enterprises by 2040, which would account for a significant chunk of India’s GDP.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focus on specialized courses in STEM, AI, and robotics and supports the development of a skilled workforce to meet Industry 4.0 demands. PMKVY 4.0 (2022-2026) targets skilling over 50 lakh youth with industry-relevant training. It offers 429 job roles across sectors, including AI, robotics, and drones. Collaborating with IITs, IIMs, and industries, it includes initiatives like “Drone Didi.” With a ₹12,000 crore budget, it empowers India’s workforce for future opportunities. Through the 30-Hour Upskilling Program, NSDC has facilitated the deployment of 10,000 construction workers to Israel, ensuring their training aligns with global standards.
On the other hand, PM Vishwakarma focuses on empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen, supporting 18 trades such as blacksmiths, carpenters, and potters. With a ₹13,000 crore budget, it offers financial assistance, including ₹15,000 for toolkits and collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh at subsidized interest rates. The scheme also provides advanced skill training and market access to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage.
Skill Impact Bond (SIB) Phase Results
The Skill Impact Bond initiative has shown promising results in its first phase, training around 29,000 youth across various states with a strong emphasis on women and disadvantaged communities. With a job placement rate of approximately 70% within six months post-training, SIB is set to expand its reach to train an additional 50,000 youth in high-demand sectors like renewable energy and automation over the next two years.
NSDC Academy’s Impact Through Skill Development and Collaborations
In 2024, NSDC Academy made significant progress, reaching 30 lakh students through the Skill Up India 4.0 initiative. It established three Centres for Future Skills in Karnataka and Kolhapur, offering global certifications in AI, data analytics, AR/VR, and IoT which aimed to provide high-quality, outcome-driven skill training to youth and contribute to the vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047. NSDC Academy has formed important collaborations with leading institutions such as IIT Ropar, Masai School, IIM Sirmaur, and Ethnotech Academy, which have led to the launch of innovative programs like the Minor in AI, Advanced Management Program in Digital Supply Chain, and Executive Post Graduate Programs.
Partnerships with industry leaders like PhysicsWallah, IIFT, Orion Dutch, and Veranda Learning have introduced certifications in key areas such as AI, supply chain management, and accounting, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry and equipping learners with future-ready skills.
International Collaborations
NSDC International has been instrumental in enhancing India’s global workforce through various initiatives. In Israel, NSDC has facilitated the recruitment of 10,000 construction workers, with 6,661 workers already deployed, under a PMKVY 4.0 special project focusing on Recognition of Prior Learning and a 30-hour Upskilling Program. Additionally, NSDC responded to PIBA’s request for 5,000 caregivers, leading to 181 candidates interviewed and two workers placed.
The SVP program in Saudi Arabia assessed over 25,000 candidates, with nearly 24,000 certified, contributing to the quality of Indian blue-collar workers abroad. NSDC also focuses on training, offering language and domain skills across centres, and implementing international certifications like the SEG and QAI programs to enhance the global credibility of Indian professionals. Through initiatives like Skill India International Centres (SIICs), NSDC ensures safe, ethical, and efficient international mobility, supporting India’s goal of becoming a global skill hub.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
The NAPS initiative has seen substantial growth this year. Under NAPS 2.0, over 32.38 lakh apprentices have been onboarded since its inception. The scheme promotes gender inclusivity by increasing female participation from 7.74% in 2016-17 to 20.77% in 2023-24. Financial incentives are provided for establishments hiring apprentices, particularly focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Green Jobs and Renewable Energy Initiatives
The newly launched JobX Platform aggregates job vacancies while facilitating skill-based hiring through partnerships with companies like HCLTech. This platform aims to streamline the job search process for candidates while enhancing employer access to skilled individuals. Job fairs have helped connect potential employees with employers directly. The recent events saw thousands of participants engaging with various companies across sectors that include IT and healthcare with significant job placements. Other than offering immediate employment, these fairs also gear the participants with the necessary job readiness skills.
With a target of creating three million green jobs by 2030, NSDC is actively promoting skill development in renewable energy sectors such as solar and wind energy. This year alone, over 2.3 lakh technicians were trained under various skill development initiatives aimed at supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy targets. These programs contribute to job creation and align with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
