A nation’s emphasis on education and skills speaks volumes about its development plans. As countries worldwide recognize the importance of progressive education and 21st-century skills, India too, has launched its own initiatives, to prepare its young population for the future.

The focus on getting the youth career-ready, has become a global priority, as it directly contributes to a nation’s overall progress. Recognizing this, the Indian Government has introduced various platforms and programs, to equip its young citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge.

This upskilling is what we at Pifinity have been reiterating, as we recognise the futility of academics, if an individual fails to build the capabilities necessary to cope with evolving skill requirements, technology and labour market conditions. 

In this Blog, we shall discuss the Indian Government’s efforts in providing educational resources to prepare our youth for successful careers. Hereupon, Pifinity attempts to present adequate information about platforms offering both Certificate and Non-certificate courses, designed to upskill young Indians and enhance their employability. 

SWAYAM

• Overview

SWAYAM, a program the Indian government initiated with the help of the Ministry of Education and NPTEL, IIT Madras, to make  education more accessible, fair, and high-quality for everyone. It’s all about bringing top-notch learning resources to people, even those who might not usually have access. 

• Pedagogy

The courses on SWAYAM are pretty comprehensive. You get video lectures, downloadable study materials, quizzes to test yourself, and an online forum to chat with others and clear up any confusion. They’ve really put considerable effort into making it engaging, with multimedia Content and modern teaching methods. 

• Cost and Certification

The best part? It’s free to learn! This way, there is an attempt to include every section of the student community, in the digitalisation of education. However, if you want an official Certificate, you’ll need to pay the required fee and take a proctored exam in person. The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000 only. 

• Academic Credit

Most importantly, UGC in its regulation, has now advised all the Universities to identify courses where Credits can be transferred on to the academic record of the students, for courses done on SWAYAM. 

SWAYAM PLUS

• Overview

The initiative of SWAYAM has been raised to another level through SWAYAM PLUS, which is designed to fit with the National Education Policy 2020. This is to include courses aligned with industry needs, and enhance learners’ employability. 

The platform has teamed up with big industry players and Ed-tech companies to offer professional development-focused programs that will boost students’ Career prospects. 

• Program Focus

It has programs in chosen sectors, and they include: Manufacturing, Energy, Computer Science & Engineering/IT/ITES, Management Studies, Teacher Education, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, Social Science, Indian Knowledge Systems, Media, Communication, etc.

• Courses

The courses include both free and paid options, catering to a wide range of learners. They are divided into three categories: Participation, Micro-Credential, and Certification courses. These courses provide learners with the flexibility to choose, based on their individual learning goals, ultimately enhancing their CVs with added impressive skills. 

• Key Features

The platform is targeting learners across the country, especially from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, thereby making it more inclusive. The learners are provided Certification programs at very affordable costs, from both industry and academia. 

There are myriad employment-focused programs, and with options to learn through resources in vernacular languages, as well.
Their Partners include Microsoft, Medvarsity, L&T Edutech, etc.  Just like SWAYAM, several courses here are credit eligible.

Skill India

• Overview

The Skill India Digital Hub is basically a one-stop shop for anyone looking to level up their skills, no matter where they’re at, in life. Whether you’re still in school, dropped out, just graduated, working a job, or unemployed, they’ve got something for you. The idea is to help people keep growing, and advancing in their careers, through vocational training. 

Skill India goes beyond offering mere courses to upskill oneself, it provides training sessions  and support across a wide range of employment sectors, such as weaving, cobbling, carpentry, welding, nursing, and more. There is also a provision for job exchange, wherein a diverse demographic can seek jobs in their desired industry and location.

• Schemes

The mission aims to reach the grassroots through initiatives such as Rural India Skill, which aims to uplift rural communities by providing them with skill development opportunities, tailored to their specific needs and aspirations. Rural residents are given tools required to expand their entrepreneurial avenues

Other initiatives include the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship skill development scheme under Skill India. This provides training which covers various fields such as Soft skills, Digital literacy, and Entrepreneurship, aligning with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), to ensure standardised skill development.

• Recommendations

It provides personalised recommendations to each individual, not only in terms of courses, but also for jobs and apprenticeships. By assessing one’s qualifications, interests and access to locations, Skill India recommends available opportunities.

NITI Aayog

• Overview

To know about the functioning of the Government of India and contribute to policy formation, students can intern under the apex public policy think-tank of the Government of India: NITI Aayog.

Pifinity has covered all the essential information regarding eligibility and deadlines: feel free to click through to our LinkedIn, for more details.

• Area of Interest

There are several domains available and candidates are free to choose from them. Those are– Agriculture, Data Management and Analysis, Economics, Education, Human Resources Development, Energy Sector, Foreign Trade or Commerce, Governance, Health, Nutrition, Women & Child Development, etc. 

• Period

The period of Internship shall be at least six weeks, but not exceeding six months. However, Interns not completing the requisite period, will not be issued any Certificate. 

To conclude, these are some initiatives that are aimed to create a sustainable world, wherein Quality Education becomes a priority, along with necessitating the adoption of 21-st Century Skills, among the Indian youth. At Pifinity, we are inspired by these efforts, and committed to doing our part, to build a brighter future for first-generation learners.