National Skill Development Corporation and Visvesvaraya Technological University Forge a Partnership to Launch Futuristic Skill Programs

Bengaluru, July 11, 2024: To revolutionize higher education and skill development in India, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership aims to introduce cutting-edge skill programs bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening the higher education landscape by integrating skill development programs tailored to meet the demands of the 21st century job market. NSDC is set to become a hub of excellence, offering a diverse range of innovative programs aligned with industry needs and technological advancements.

The partnership aims to establish Skill Hub centres in over 150 colleges affiliated with VTU and set up Centres of Excellence (CoE) in select engineering colleges. Through these initiatives, the aim is to enroll 240 students per college in the Future Skills programme under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY), the flagship scheme of Skill India Mission. This is an opportunity for the youth of the country to get trained under direct guidance from industry experts and NSDC will provide the necessary support and oversight for these courses, ensuring adherence to the scheme's guidelines.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, said “This partnership with VTU is a landmark moment in our mission to future-proof India’s youth. By integrating advanced skill programs into the academic framework, we aim to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring our young talent is prepared to excel in the global marketplace.”

“This collaboration enhances the employability of India's youth while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. It empowers them to lead in fields such as AI, Machine Learning, and Robotics, driving the future of technology and industry. Together, we are setting the stage for a new era of workforce readiness and innovation.” He added.

Students participating in the PMKVY Future Skills Program will benefit from mentorship. Upon completing the training, students will undergo an assessment by the Sector Skill Council (SSC) NASSCOM and present their projects to industry experts. Successful candidates will receive an internship certificate from NASSCOM, recognized by VTU as fulfilling the internship or project requirements for final-year students.

Dr. Vidya Shankar S, Vice Chancellor, VTU- Belagavi, said "This partnership with NSDC will empower our students with industry-relevant skills, ensuring they are future-ready. Together, we are creating pathways for our students to excel in fields such as AI, Machine Learning, and Robotics, setting a new benchmark in higher education."

As part of the collaboration, VTU students will have the opportunity to participate in the ‘Hack to Hire’ hackathon, where they can tackle AI-based problem statements and compete for job opportunities with some of India’s most innovative startups.

This partnership between NSDC and VTU marks a transformative step towards a more integrated and skill-oriented education system, setting a new benchmark for higher education and workforce readiness in India.