🎓 A Game-Changer for India’s Education and Skilling Future
In a landmark move that could reshape India’s school education forever, the Government hosted a National Workshop on July 18, 2025, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi—and the big news?
State Boards are now stepping into a powerful new role: becoming Dual Category Awarding Bodies under NCVET!
That means State Boards will not only conduct training but also assess and certify students in vocational courses—bringing skills and academics together like never before.
In a landmark initiative to align school education with vocational training and create seamless learning pathways for youth, a National Workshop on Onboarding State/UT Education Boards as Dual Category Awarding Bodies under NCVET was held today at KaushalBhawan, New Delhi. The workshop was jointly organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), as part of a whole-of-government effort to integrate vocational education with the formal schooling system in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.It witnessed participation from over 150 delegates, including senior officers from 24State and UT education boards.
The key objective of the workshop was to guide and support State Boards in completing their applications for NCVET recognition as Dual Category Awarding Bodies — a status that authorises them to conduct both training and assessment for vocational courses, aligned with NSQF standards. Unlike standard Awarding Bodies that only conduct training and certify, Dual Category ABs are empowered to offer end-to-end vocational education services including assessment of learners, thereby placing the State Boards at the heart of the skilling ecosystem in their respective states.
The Dual Category Awarding Body model brings multiple advantages. It offers government endorsement in the national vocational education and training (VET) ecosystem, provides access to NCVET-aligned qualifications, improves recognition among employers and higher education institutions, and allows school boards to expand the scope and quality of their educational offerings. With the help of frameworks such as the National Credit Framework, Academic Bank of Credits, and National Curriculum Framework, State Boards will now be better positioned to design, deliver, and assess courses till NSQF 4 — levels most relevant for grassroots skilling and employment.
💡 Why This Matters
This bold step supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision of “education with employability”. Now, vocational courses will be seamlessly integrated into school systems, preparing students for real-world careers while they study.
🛠️ What’s Changing?
- State Boards can now design, deliver, and certify vocational programs.
- Courses aligned to NSQF Level 4 will now be accessible in schools.
- Greater credibility for students in both job markets and higher education.
🗣️ Voices That Inspire
Shri Rajit Punhani, Secretary, MSDE, set the tone with a powerful message:
“As we move to elevate the profile of NCVET, our aim is not only to expand its reach but to ensure it becomes a benchmark of quality and integrity in the skills ecosystem. With State Boards now stepping into the role of Dual Category Awarding Bodies, the responsibility is immense. It is no longer just about conducting examinations, but about upholding high standards in vocational training, pedagogy, and outcomes. This is a moment to redefine our collective identity—to make every training course and every certificate issued stand for excellence.”
The workshop was also attended by key leaders from MSDE, DoSE&L, and NCVET, showcasing a united push towards systemic education reform.
✅ Real Progress, Real Fast
This wasn’t just talk—it was action:
- 🔹 24 States started their applications for NCVET recognition
- 🔹 6 States (Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, MP & Nagaland) submitted complete applications on the spot!
- 🔹 Goa Board shared its success story—a real-world model for others to follow
📚 What It Means for Students
Imagine a future where:
✔️ A Class 10 student learns AI, EV maintenance, or 3D printing
✔️ Gets certified by the school board AND recognized nationally
✔️ Is job-ready or college-ready—or both!
That future is starting now.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
Backed by frameworks like:
- National Credit Framework (NCrF)
- Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
- National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
This initiative ensures that schooling meets skilling, and learning leads to livelihoods.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This workshop was more than an event—it was a turning point. State Boards are now active drivers of skill-based education. With visionary leadership and strong coordination, India is truly building a future where every child learns, earns, and thrives.
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📌 India’s education system is evolving—and the revolution has just begun. 💥
