Medhavi Skills University and NSDC Sign MoU to Implement National Credit Framework (NCrF)

Medhavi Skills University (MSU), a recognized Skills University by UGC and NCVET, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the auspices of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), have collaborated to implement the National Credit Framework (NCrF). This collaboration aims to accelerate the integration of the skilling ecosystem with Higher Education in alignment with the objectives outlined in the new National Education Policy 2020 (NEP2020).

This strategic partnership focuses on empowering the large network of NSDC Skill Training Partners across India to align, accredit and formalise their professional short-term fee-based programs so that Academic Credits can be awarded to the candidates in line with the National Credit Framework (NCrF). The apex regulatory bodies of Education, UGC, AICTE and NCVET notified the NCrF last year to harmonise and integrate Skills education with Higher Education pathways, thus empowering youths with industry-relevant Skills leading to better employability.

The move comes as a response to the evolving Indian skilling ecosystem and the pressing need to create pathways for seamless credit transfer and due recognition of skill-based certifications. There is a large student base that opts for skill-based courses/professional certifications to acquire industry-relevant skill sets for improving their employment prospects. Many students enroll in these programs through online Ed-Tech companies/skill development institutes over and above their formal college/university programs, thus increasing their overall academic load. Linking the short-term courses to Academic credits will open the gateway to the seamless linkage of Skills with Higher Education.

Under this association, MSU will work closely with the registered training partners of NSDC to align their short-term programs under the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) or National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), the overarching educational frameworks duly notified by UGC and NCVET, the regulatory bodies. NHEQF is an outcome oriented curriculum framework formulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the aim of facilitating comparability and standardization of higher education qualifications at all levels with respect to National Credit Framework (NCrF).

After program alignment and recognition by NSDC and MSU, candidates will receive Academic Credits for completing short-term skill-based courses through Ed-Tech platforms and skilling institutions. These credits will be uploaded to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), linked to the candidate’s Digi-locker and APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) by the Government of India. APAAR ID, a NEP2020 initiative, provides a unique identification number to learners nationwide. Credits accumulated in ABC can be transferred and redeemed by colleges/universities for formal higher education qualifications.

The entire process will be integrated and digitally enabled through the Skill India Digital Hub (SDIH), a transformative initiative by NSDC and MSDE. All skilling courses offered SDIH platform by the Ed-Tech companies (Training partners) will be facilitated for academic credits linkage and the credits so acquired by learners through SIDH shall be accrued or redeemed through seamless linkage to Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) portal.

In reference to this partnership, Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC), iterates, “that this collaboration aligns with the fundamental principles outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, mandating that skill certifications becomes integral part of higher educational ecosystem. Achieving Academic creditization ensures that certifications earned through skill training are recognized and valued by a wide spectrum of educational institutions and employers.”

Reflecting on this significant development, Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University (MSU) said, “This collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment for Indian students since ABC linkage will facilitate smooth mobility for learners between skill-based training and mainstream higher education, thus unlocking new pathways for career progression.”

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Commenting on the scope of impact, Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Pro-Chancellor of MSU, eloquently remarked, “This partnership is poised to be a game-changer, offering a paradigm shift in the skill ecosystem by enhancing the certification value and transferability of Skilling and professional certifications, increased recognition, and streamlined pathways for career growth.”