Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q61 (IAS/2017) Economy › Schemes, Inclusion & Social Sector › Skill development schemes Official Key

With reference to 'National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)', which of the statements given below is/are correct ? 1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. 2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B (Statement 2 only).

The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude.[2] Statement 1 is incorrect because NSQF does not restrict certification to formal learning only. The objective of RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) scheme is to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce to standardised National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)[4], which demonstrates that individuals can acquire certification through recognition of prior/informal learning as well.

Statement 2 is correct. The objective of NSQF is to empower the individual by enabling them to realize their full potential through a process of lifelong learning where competencies are accumulated via instruments such as credible certifications, credit accumulation and transfer[5], which facilitates mobility between vocational and general education pathways. This framework allows learners to move flexibly between different educational streams based on their accumulated competencies.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
  2. [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
  3. [3] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > TACKLING SKILL DEFICIT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL > p. 574
  4. [4] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > TACKLING SKILL DEFICIT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL > p. 574
  5. [5] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
100%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to 'National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)', which of the statements given below is/are correct ? 1. Under NSQF, a…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This question rewards conceptual clarity over rote memorization. It checks if you understand the 'why' of the policy (fixing the lack of mobility and standardizing informal skills) rather than just the 'when'. If you understood the problem of the Indian labor market (informal sector), Statement 1 is intuitively false.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Under India's National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), is certification for competency restricted to formal learning only (i.e., does NSQF exclude certification through non-formal/informal/prior learning)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > TACKLING SKILL DEFICIT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL > p. 574
Presence: 5/5
“RPL only provides orientation to the already skilled workforce (such as construction workers) and does not mandate placements. Objective of RPL scheme is to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce to standardised National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). As on December 2020, more than 1.2 crore individuals have been trained/oriented under PMKVY 1.0 and 2.0. In February 2021, the GOI launched PMKVY 3.0 with a target to train 8 lakh more candidates.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly discusses RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) as orienting already skilled workers and aligning their competencies to the standardised NSQF.
  • States the objective of the RPL scheme is to bring unregulated workforce competencies into the NSQF, implying non-formal/prior learning is recognised under NSQF.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
Presence: 4/5
“Our country presently faces a dual challenge of paucity of highly trained workforce, as well as non-employability of large sections of the conventionally educated youth, who possess little or no job skills. National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015 supersedes the policy of 2009. Vision: To create an ecosystem of empowerment by Skilling on a large Scale at Speed with high Standards and to promote a culture of innovation-based entrepreneurship which can generate wealth and employment so as to ensure Sustainable livelihoods for all citizens in the country. Objective: to empower the individual, by enabling her/him to realize their full potential through a process of lifelong learning where competencies are accumulated via instruments such as credible certifications, credit accumulation and transfer, etc.”
Why this source?
  • National Policy describes lifelong learning where competencies are accumulated via instruments such as credible certifications and credit accumulation/transfer.
  • This wording indicates multiple pathways to certification and credentialing, not limited to formal learning institutions.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
Presence: 3/5
“The peak of the demographic dividend in India is fast approaching but the positive impact is still not visible. To overcome the problems related to skill deficit, ageing population, unemployment etc., government has adopted several measures. Some are discussed below: • Schemes like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal i. Vikas Yojana, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) etc., are some skill development programs launched by government. They are directed towards rejuvenating the youth population in finding jobs and can increase their participation in economic growth National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) - it is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude.”
Why this source?
  • Defines NSQF as a competency-based framework organizing qualifications by levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude.
  • A competency-based design focuses on demonstrated competence rather than solely on formal institutional learning, supporting recognition of non-formal/prior learning.
Statement 2
Does the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aim to facilitate mobility between vocational and general education in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
Presence: 5/5
“Our country presently faces a dual challenge of paucity of highly trained workforce, as well as non-employability of large sections of the conventionally educated youth, who possess little or no job skills. National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015 supersedes the policy of 2009. Vision: To create an ecosystem of empowerment by Skilling on a large Scale at Speed with high Standards and to promote a culture of innovation-based entrepreneurship which can generate wealth and employment so as to ensure Sustainable livelihoods for all citizens in the country. Objective: to empower the individual, by enabling her/him to realize their full potential through a process of lifelong learning where competencies are accumulated via instruments such as credible certifications, credit accumulation and transfer, etc.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly links policy objectives to lifelong learning with competencies accumulated via certifications, credit accumulation and transfer — mechanisms that enable mobility.
  • Mentions credible certifications and credit transfer as instruments, which directly support movement between different education/training pathways.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
Presence: 4/5
“The peak of the demographic dividend in India is fast approaching but the positive impact is still not visible. To overcome the problems related to skill deficit, ageing population, unemployment etc., government has adopted several measures. Some are discussed below: • Schemes like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal i. Vikas Yojana, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) etc., are some skill development programs launched by government. They are directed towards rejuvenating the youth population in finding jobs and can increase their participation in economic growth National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) - it is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude.”
Why this source?
  • Defines NSQF as a competency-based framework that organizes qualifications according to levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude.
  • Level-based organization creates comparability across vocational and general qualifications, a structural basis for mobility.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > TACKLING SKILL DEFICIT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL > p. 574
Presence: 4/5
“RPL only provides orientation to the already skilled workforce (such as construction workers) and does not mandate placements. Objective of RPL scheme is to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce to standardised National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). As on December 2020, more than 1.2 crore individuals have been trained/oriented under PMKVY 1.0 and 2.0. In February 2021, the GOI launched PMKVY 3.0 with a target to train 8 lakh more candidates.”
Why this source?
  • Describes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) aligning existing worker competencies to the standardized NSQF.
  • Standardisation/recognition of competencies supports transferability and recognition across education and training streams.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC questions on schemes often focus on 'Design Principles' (e.g., mobility, flexibility, integration) rather than dry statistics. If a statement suggests rigidity (like 'only formal'), it usually contradicts the reformist nature of the scheme.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly solvable from standard Economy sources (Singhania/Vivek Singh) or basic common sense regarding Indian labor policy.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Human Capital & Skill Development' chapter in Indian Economy, specifically the sub-topic on 'Demographic Dividend'.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. NSQF Levels 1-10 (Level 10 is equivalent to Ph.D). 2. NCVET (Regulator formed by merging NCVT & NSDA). 3. SANKALP & STRIVE (World Bank funded schemes). 4. PMKVY components (RPL, Short Term Training). 5. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) under NEP 2020.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Always test policy statements against the 'Indian Reality'. India has a massive informal workforce (90%+). Any policy statement claiming 'formal learning ONLY' ignores the reality of the unorganized sector and is logically false.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
💡 The insight

RPL is explicitly mentioned as aligning skilled workers' competencies to NSQF, directly relevant to whether certification is limited to formal learning.

High-yield for UPSC: RPL explains government mechanisms for validating informal/non-formal skills, links to schemes like PMKVY and workforce formalisation, and is often tested in questions on skill development policy. Learn scheme objectives, beneficiaries, and relation to NSQF.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > TACKLING SKILL DEFICIT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL > p. 574
🔗 Anchor: "Under India's National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), is certification f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Competency-based framework (NSQF) vs. formal qualifications
💡 The insight

NSQF is described as competency-based, which implies certification depends on demonstrated skills/aptitude rather than only formal training.

Crucial concept: distinguishes outcomes-based credentialing from traditional degree-based systems; connects to education reforms, skill-certification, and mobility between vocational and general education. Enables answers on policy intent and practical implications for employability.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
🔗 Anchor: "Under India's National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), is certification f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Lifelong learning, credit accumulation and multiple certification routes
💡 The insight

National Policy language about accumulating competencies via certifications and credit transfer shows NSQF's flexible pathways beyond formal training.

Important for essays and policy questions: explains how governments facilitate continuous skilling, recognition of experience, and integration of formal/non-formal education. Helps address questions on skilling ecosystem, policy instruments, and educational mobility.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
🔗 Anchor: "Under India's National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), is certification f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 NSQF as a competency-based level framework
💡 The insight

NSQF organises qualifications into levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude — the structural mechanism that makes different qualifications comparable.

High-yield for UPSC questions on skill policy and education reform: explains how policy enables horizontal/vertical mobility, links to schemes (PMKVY, apprenticeships) and to higher education recognition. Useful for answering 'how' and 'why' questions on linking vocational and general education.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
🔗 Anchor: "Does the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aim to facilitate mobili..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Credit accumulation and transfer (CATS) in skill policy
💡 The insight

CATS is explicitly mentioned as an instrument to accumulate competencies and enable transfers — a practical tool for mobility between streams.

Important for essays/answers on lifelong learning and education pathways; shows concrete policy mechanisms (credits, certifications) that operationalise mobility. Helps frame policy evaluation and reform suggestions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > Measures to Overcome above Challenges > p. 573
🔗 Anchor: "Does the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aim to facilitate mobili..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
💡 The insight

RPL aligns existing workforce competencies to NSQF standards, enabling formal recognition of informal or non-formal skills.

Directly relevant to questions on skill recognition, employability and equity in education; connects to policies on skilling, certification and labour force integration. Prepares aspirants to discuss how informal skills are mainstreamed.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 19: Population and Demographic Dividend > TACKLING SKILL DEFICIT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL > p. 574
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.9 National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship > p. 240
🔗 Anchor: "Does the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aim to facilitate mobili..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The NCVET (National Council for Vocational Education and Training). It is the overarching regulator established in 2018 (post-this question) by merging NCVT and NSDA. It is now the body responsible for approving qualifications under NSQF.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Inclusive Policy' Heuristic: In a developing country like India, no major welfare or development framework restricts benefits 'only' to the formal elite. Statement 1 excludes the informal sector (which NSQF is specifically designed to help via RPL), making it an 'Exclusionary Statement' in an 'Inclusionary Policy'. Mark it wrong immediately.

🔗 Mains Connection

GS-3 (Inclusive Growth) & GS-4 (Ethics of Work): NSQF provides 'Dignity of Labor' by certifying informal skills (e.g., a hereditary carpenter getting a certificate via RPL), effectively transforming 'labor' into 'human capital' and enabling social mobility.

✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2018 · Q78 Relevance score: 5.13

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. 3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

CDS-I · 2023 · Q42 Relevance score: 1.84

Which of the following is/are the sub- mission/sub-missions of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM)? 1. Institutional training 2. Overseas employment 3. Leveraging of public infrastructure Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IAS · 2013 · Q96 Relevance score: 0.98

With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements : 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity. 2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?