Importance of NSQF Levels for Polytechnic Students

Dr. Hitesh Tahbildar 

Principal,

 Assam Engineering Institute

 One of the key recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is to integrate general education and skill-based education more closely. In the context of higher education, including Polytechnic education, NEP 2020 highlights the following priorities: -

Multidisciplinary Education: An approach that brings together knowledge, theories, and tools from different academic disciplines to understand a single topic or address complex issues. For example: A BA LLB program integrates arts and law. Notably, problem-solving often requires knowledge from multiple fields.

Multiple Entry and Exit Options: Students can earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees by exiting a program at different stages. A few benefits of multiple entry and exit options include flexibility, certification at exit points, reduced dropouts, lifelong learning, and credit transfer/accumulation. For instance, any Polytechnic student can exit diploma course even after 1st year/2nd year with a certificate of the acquired skill and can even resume his/her studies after a period of time. Moreover, any experience certificate gained during the employment period can also be added to person’s Academic Bank of Credit. Once the Assam State School Education Board ( formerly known as AHSEC)/CBSE/ SEBA implements the Academic Bank of Credit framework then any 12th pass students can join the Polytechnic course in the second year. This process will be facilitated by the credit earned during the higher secondary course. 

Digital Learning: Technology-driven learning experiences by attending online courses offered by digital platforms like NPTEL, MOOCS, Infosys Springboard, SWAYAM, etc, further enhances the academic credit in acquiring certificates, diplomas, degrees, etc. 

Institutional Reforms: Enhancing quality through accreditation, allowing students to exit after specific years of study, and introducing the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) for flexible credit storage and transfer. One vital reform is upgradation of the institute to degree level. Categories of Learning 

1. Academic Learning: Formal education from school to PhD level, where degrees are awarded based on academic performance. 

2. Skill-Based Learning: Short-term, industry-oriented courses such as PMKVY and NSDC programs. 3. Experience-Based Learning: Knowledge acquired through real-life practice and experience. 

Example: An entrepreneur in solar installation who gains expertise through hands-on work. 

NSQF and its Objectives:  National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), approved by the Union Cabinet in 2013, established a 10-level framework that standardized skills and knowledge across training and educational sectors. It was designed to align educational qualifications from school to doctoral levels with the core aim to bridge the gap between education and employment. 

 In 2023, the framework was revised to 8 levels to align with NEP 2020 and the National Credit Framework:--

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NCrF	Degree	Degree	Assessment	Professonal Theoritical Knowledgd	Professional Technical Skill Expertise	Job
8.0	PhD	Doctoral Degree	--	Innovation Driven / Comprehensive Knowledge	Most Advance Technical & Managerial Skills	Business Vission /Chair Person/ CMD/ BM
7.0	PG-2	PG Degree 1/2 years	M.Tech 2nd ys Engg PG Degree	Advance Knowledge with Critical Understanding of Emerging Development	Highly Specialized, transdisciplinary & Leadership skills	Business Management / CEO
6.5	PG1	PG Degree 1/2 years	PG Degree M.Voc/ MSc Engg.	Advance Knowledge with Critical Understanding of emerging Development	Highly Specialized, transdisciplinary & Leadership skills	Business Management / CEO
6.0	UG 4	4 years UG with Honours/ B.E. B.Tech or 3 years Diploma	UG Degree (Hons)/ PG Diploma/ B.Tech/ B.E.	Advance Multidisciplinary & Specialized Knowledge	Advance Tech. & Managerial Skills	Sr. Manager/ Manager
5.5	UG 3	Diploma	UG Degree/ B Vog/BscBSc Engg UG Diploma/ Diploma Eng.	Multidisciplinary & Specialized Knowledge	Range of Skills along with Specialize Diploma Skills	Team Leader/ Jr. Manager
5.0	UG 2	-do-	-do-	-do-	-do-	-do-
4.5	UG 1	-do-	U.G Certificate	-do-	-do-	-do-
4.0	XII	2nd year Secondary	Class XII CBSC/Board/NIOS	Specialized Knowledge	Specialized Knowledge	Sr. Professional
3.5	XI	1 year Secondary	Class XI CBSC/Board/NIOS	Specialized Knowledge	Specialized Knowledge	Sr. Professional
3.0	X	2 years Secondary	Class X CBSC/Board/NIOS	Range of Knowledge	Range of Tech Skills	Jr. Professional
2.5	IX	2 years Secondary	Class IX CBSC/Board/NIOS	Range of Knowledge	Range of Tech Skills	Jr. Professional
2.0	VII	3 years Middle	Up to Class VIII through CBSC/Board/NIOS	Fundamental Knowledge	Limited Finite Skills	Helper/ Assistant
1.0	V	Fundamental	Up to V through CBSC/Board/NIOS	Elementary Knowledgd	Role Confined Skills

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 Key Objectives 

• Establishing equivalence between academic and vocational qualifications to ensure vertical mobility. 

• Assigning credits to every type and hour of learning. 

• Supporting multidisciplinary pathways with multiple entry and exit options. 

• Providing greater flexibility to learners. 

• Recognizing prior learning (RPL). 

• Promoting lifelong learning, skill development, and international mobility. 

NSQF and Credit System in Polytechnic Education Apart from various modes of learning, NSQF also aids us to assign credits to the acquired knowledge. National credit framework (NCrF) helps students to add all types of credit into the Academic Bank of Credit(ABC). Credits can be accumulated from academic learning, skill-based learning, and experience-based learning. Extra-curricular activities such as sports, yoga, and cultural activities may also contribute credits to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). Conclusion The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) provides a structured pathway for aligning education, skills, and employability. For Polytechnic students, the framework ensures that their learning—whether academic, skill-based, or experience-driven—is systematically recognized and credited. By introducing multiple entry and exit points, digital learning opportunities, and the Academic Bank of Credits, NSQF promotes flexibility, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. The revised 8-level structure not only bridges the gap between vocational and academic education but also enhances vertical and horizontal mobility for learners. To specify, the increased mobility opens multiple pathways for students for lateral entries in B.E. or B. Tech. Programs and even degree colleges in the second year, and get employed or opt for entrepreneurship. Ultimately, NSQF empowers Polytechnic graduates to be more adaptable, industry-ready, and globally competitive, aligning education with the demands of a dynamic workforce.