The vocational education landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the emergence of short-term, credential-based learning pathways that lead to meaningful employment opportunities. The traditional model of vocational education has been restructured in terms of curriculum structure, accessibility, duration, and quality of training, aligning more effectively with the skill requirements of today’s job seekers.
Stackable credentials have become an integral component of modern vocational education programs, enabling job seekers to acquire industry-relevant skills and secure employment within a relatively short span of time.
This article examines the evolution of traditional vocational training programs into modern, well-structured programs in India, with a particular focus on stackable credentials and their benefits, crucial for enhancing skill development and employment prospects.
Difference between Traditional and Modern Vocational Training Programs in India
Traditional vocational education programs in India have predominantly been classroom-oriented, with course durations ranging from six months to two years, depending on the specific discipline. These programs were primarily delivered through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and government polytechnics. However, they often featured outdated curricula and offered limited opportunities for industrial collaboration, such as internships. As a result, employability outcomes remained low, with only 4.7% of India’s workforce possessing formal vocational training, significantly lower compared to 52% in the United States and 75% in Germany, as reported by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Furthermore, access to these programs was largely restricted to individuals from rural backgrounds or low-income groups.
In contrast, modern vocational programs are digitally driven, delivered through online platforms and mobile applications, and enhanced by features such as augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) simulations and AI-integrated learning. These programs offer flexibility in duration, ranging from a few days to several months, and include focused micro-skill courses. The curriculum is regularly updated and supported by strong industry collaboration through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Councils, and Public-Private Partnerships, such as with TeamLease Skills University, enabling live projects and apprenticeship opportunities. These initiatives have significantly expanded the reach of vocational training, making it accessible to marginalised communities and women in rural areas. Notably, approximately 1.63 crore youth have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme in India.
The Importance of Stackable Credentials
Stackable credentials, as an integral component of modern vocational education programs, enable job seekers to earn short-term, industry-specific qualifications that support both educational advancement and skill development. These credentials serve as building blocks for individuals aiming to pursue new professional opportunities and are offered in various formats, including certifications, micro-credentials, digital badges, and associated degrees.
According to industry insights, approximately 97% of employers report a willingness to offer higher starting salaries to candidates possessing micro-credentials. Additionally, around 96% of students believe that obtaining a professional certification enhances their visibility among employers and increases their chances of securing high-paying employment.
Benefits of Stackable Credentials for Job Seekers
Flexible and Personalised Learning
Stackable credentials offer students and job seekers the flexibility to select learning modules aligned with their career aspirations—whether in digital marketing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or other emerging fields. These programs support skill enhancement or career transitions, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace, either full-time or part-time, while simultaneously managing other professional commitments.
Faster Entry into the Workforce
By earning stackable credentials—such as micro-credentials, digital badges, or certifications—candidates can accelerate their entry into the job market. Approximately 95% of higher education leaders agree that individuals with micro-credentials demonstrate better job readiness compared to those without such qualifications.
Cost-Effectiveness
Stackable credential programs are significantly more affordable than traditional degree programs. Furthermore, they offer the opportunity for individuals to earn an income while pursuing their learning, thereby enabling financial sustainability even before the completion of higher qualifications.
Industry-Relevant Training
With training programs aligned to industry standards through frameworks such as the National Skill Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and Sector Skill Councils, stackable credentials equip job seekers with real-time, in-demand skills. This alignment helps close the skill gap and enhances long-term employment prospects.
Career Progression
These short-term credential programs provide essential educational support across all levels of employment—from entry-level roles to advanced positions—facilitating promotions and salary growth based on demonstrated competencies.
Popular Stackable Credential Platforms and Initiatives in India
Government-Led Platforms
SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds)
An official Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) portal developed by the Ministry of Education, SWAYAM, offers free courses from leading institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and central universities. It includes skill-based micro-credentials that are aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and are eligible for academic credits.
NSDC eSkill India & Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
The eSkill India platform, developed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), provides access to over 800 vocational micro-courses aligned with NSQF, available in multiple Indian languages. Through PMKVY, efforts are made to equip the youth with industry-relevant skills and certifications to enhance their employability.
Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
An initiative by the Ministry of Education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) serves as a digital repository where students’ academic achievements are stored and tracked through a unique ID.
National Credit Framework (NCrF)
The National Credit Framework is a unified structure designed to integrate academic, vocational, and experiential learning. It aims to provide a comprehensive system for the accumulation, transfer, and redemption of credits across various educational and training institutions, supporting seamless long-term learning.
Public–Private and University–EdTech Partnerships
Coursera for India
Coursera partners with Indian universities, such as Vishwakarma University, to offer credit-based professional certificates from global industry leaders like IBM, Google, and AWS.
TeamLease Skills University (TLSU)
As India’s first vocational skills university, TeamLease Skills University was established to bridge the gap between education and employment. It focuses on skill-based education with an emphasis on practical training and industry relevance, aiming to improve the employability of both graduates and non-graduates through structured, stackable credential programs.
Modern vocational education training programs have significantly transformed the skilling ecosystem in India, enhancing employability beyond urban areas. Stackable credentials, in particular, have emerged as a vital pathway for job seekers, including both fresh graduates and working professionals, to acquire multiple skills within a short span and explore new career opportunities. These credentials are made accessible through government platforms such as SWAYAM and NSDC, as well as through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), offering learners greater flexibility and choice.
As employers increasingly shift from traditional degree-based recruitment to skill-based hiring, these short-term vocational training programs are poised to have a positive impact in shaping the employability landscape for job seekers in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between traditional and modern vocational education programs in India?
2. What are stackable credentials, and how do they help job seekers?
3. How are stackable credentials delivered in India?
4. How is the Indian government supporting vocational training through policy?
5. Why are stackable credentials gaining popularity among employers and students?
