India’s higher education ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the need to make graduates employable.
- According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India’s unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 years and above fell marginally to 4.9% in 2024, from 5.0% in 2023. However, urban unemployment remained steady at 6.7%.
- The Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals that only 8.25% of graduates are employed in roles that match their qualifications. Over 50% of graduates and 44% of postgraduates are underemployed in low-skill jobs, highlighting a significant skills mismatch in the workforce.
The University Grants Commission (UGC), through various policy guidelines and mandates, has emphasized integrating skill-based training into university curricula.
To implement this recommendation from UGC, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are exploring long term and sustainable collaboration between academia and industry. Another important point on their agenda is the alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) to include equivalence of qualifications and multiple progression pathways.
At the same time, the need to make learning flexible and outcome-based is also emerging as a key aspect of experiential and applied higher education.
However, not all HEIs are prepared to implement these changes, even though they evince keen interest in getting started with few courses. In this context, training companies can become key enablers, bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical, job-ready skills.
Crucial role for training companies and NSDC training partners
Training companies serve as vital knowledge partners, bringing in the latest industry practices, tools, and technologies. Their core strength lies in offering structured, hands-on training aligned with sector-specific standards and qualifications.
Many of the training companies/ training partners have been active in India’s skill development ecosystem for over a decade as affiliated partners of NSDC. With a deep understanding of industry needs, curriculum design, and assessment aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), these organizations bring valuable experience to the table. Their expertise in delivering large-scale, outcome-oriented skill training can now be effectively channelled into higher education institutions.
- Work closely with universities to co-create the curriculum and deliver courses that are not only academically sound but also grounded in real-world application.
- Set up state-of-the-art practical training labs, simulated work environments, and customised skill academies on campus.
By leveraging their strengths, training companies can support HEIs in designing and delivering skill-based courses that are industry-relevant, outcome-oriented, and aligned with NCrF. As this synergy continues to evolve, several collaboration models are emerging to meet the diverse needs of institutions and learners.
Emerging models of collaboration between HEIs and training companies
To formalize and structure these collaborations, HEIs and training companies are adopting multiple collaborative formats that support long-term engagement and mutual value creation.
The collaborative models between universities and training companies are evolving to suit different institutional needs such as:
- Memorandums of understanding (MoUs): Many universities formalize collaboration with training companies through MoUs, which outline the scope of training in different industry sectors, certification, and course delivery responsibilities.
- Skill labs and centres of excellence (CoE): Training partners often set up specialized skill labs on campus, equipped with the latest tools and technologies for hands-on learning.
- Joint certification programs: Courses are often jointly certified by the university and the training company, adding credibility and industry recognition.
- Capacity building programs: Some collaborations involve training the existing faculty to deliver or co-facilitate the skill courses, ensuring sustainability and capacity building.
Top industry sectors for skill-based courses
The scope of collaboration spans a wide range of sectors and emerging technologies, particularly those with growing employment potential and skill demand. Some of the most in-demand areas include:
- Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing.
- Industry 4.0 skills: Electric Vehicles (EV), Renewable Energy, Drones, Smart Manufacturing.
- Service sector skills: Hospitality, Tourism, Retail, Logistics, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance).
- Healthcare and wellness: Medical equipment training, Geriatric care, Yoga and wellness.
These programs are typically aligned with NSQF levels and are eligible for academic credit under NCrF ensuring that students receive both academic progression and job readiness.
Benefits to students through these collaborations
Collaborative programs between HEIs and training companies provide students with:
- Practical, hands-on training that complements academic knowledge
- Internship and apprenticeship opportunities with industry partners
- Industry-recognized certifications that improve job readiness
- Exposure to real-time tools and technologies, improving adaptability
Also read: Why skills matter for graduate employability
Challenges in implementing skill-based courses in HEIs
While these programs offer immense value, several challenges can hinder implementing skill-based courses in HEIs:
- Synchronizing academic schedules with training timelines
- Ensuring quality and consistency in training delivery across campuses
- Resistance from traditional faculty who may be unfamiliar with industry-oriented pedagogy
- Need for continuous curriculum updates to keep pace with fast-evolving industries
As universities open up to skill-based programs, this is a significant opportunity for NSDC partners to expand their impact and support the employability mandate of UGC and NEP 2020.
A growing opportunity for collaboration
With policy backing from the UGC, NEP 2020, and frameworks like the NCrF, HEIs are now more open to embedding skill-based programs. This is a significant opportunity for NSDC partners and training companies to expand their footprint in higher education by becoming trusted implementation and knowledge partners. These partnerships can redefine higher education by embedding practical skills into academic frameworks, creating a win-win for students, institutions, and industry.
