How NEP 2020 Promotes Vocational Education?

Learning in school goes beyond basic maths and science. The majority of India’s unskilled, artisanal, or traditional workforce does not get access to the required vocational or job-related education and training in schools, leading to underdeveloped labour forces. Through courses and hands-on lessons, vocational education teaches students specialised skills for specific jobs.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises the importance of vocational education (EV) and its integration with general education. To promote skill development and vocational education, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has taken several initiatives in this area, such as internships, bagless days, more exposure to vocational skills, etc.

For effective implementation, the NEP 2020 vocational education has several redesigned elements to make it more flexible, accessible, relevant, inclusive, creative, and diverse.

NEP 2020 Focuses on Vocational Education

The NEP 2020 proposes a total revision and revamping of education in all aspects, including the structure, regulation, and governance. The focus of NEP 2020 is also on vocational education, and according to the policy, at least 50% of high school students will have exposure to vocational education by 2025. The aim of NEP 2020 vocational education is:

• Overcome social hierarchy associated with vocational education,
• Integrating quality vocational education with general education in a phased manner,
• Begin vocational exposure at an early age,
• Encourage secondary and higher secondary schools to collaborate with Polytechnics, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), local industries, etc., to give students on-the-job exposure and training.
• Set up skill labs in schools,
• Celebrate the dignity of labour and various vocations such as Indian arts and artisanship.

Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) in Bhopal is the central agency for organising various vocational teachers’ training programmes. Initially, a 10-day induction training program for vocational training is conducted by respective States or Union Territories in collaboration with PSSCIVE Sector Skill Councils, SCERT, and other stakeholders.

Other training programmes are regularly conducted by PSSCIVE, covering aspects of NEP 2020 on vocational education, vocational pedagogy, employability skills, and using the latest technologies. PSSCIVE also conducts subject-specific training, allowing vocational education trainers to upskill and upgrade their knowledge.

Revamped Samagra Shiksha Scheme to Strengthen Vocational Education System Under NEP

To fulfill all of the objectives provided by the NEP, the existing Samagra Shiksha scheme has been revamped. This revamped version has new interventions relating to Vocational Education in India, including:

• Expanded Coverage: Vocational education now includes government-aided schools in addition to government schools.
• Hub and Spoke Model: Students from spoke schools (nearby schools) can access vocational training facilities available in hub schools, making better use of resources.
• Early Exposure: Pre-vocational education has been introduced at the upper primary level to give younger students an early introduction to career skills.
• Hands-on Learning: Internships, bagless days, and other interactive experiences are now part of the innovation component under Samagra Shiksha to make learning more engaging.
• Employability Skills Module: Now a mandatory part of vocational courses, covering essential skills like:
  • Communication skills
  • Self-management skills
  • ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills
  • Entrepreneurship skills
  • Green skills (focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility)

This information was shared by Smt. Annpurna Devi, Minister of State for Education, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Why We Need Vocational Education?

The current vocational education and training system needs a boost and upgrades as it is unorganised, fragmented, and lacks quality. Skill-based education is needed to increase the employability of the workforce. With the right kind of vocational training and education, the youth of our country can progress and get better jobs, which will lead to the economic growth and development of India.

So, the aim of NEP 2020 is to reform the vocational education norms and structure so that they align with the requirements of the changing environmental and industrial needs.

Objectives of Vocational Education in India

Below are the main objectives of vocational education:

• Creating Self-Employment Opportunities: The main objective of vocational education is to reduce unemployment by equipping India’s youth with skills for self-employment.
• Applying Science and Technology for Social Welfare: Encourages the practical use of scientific and technological knowledge to benefit society.
• Boosting Economic Growth: Vocational education in India focuses on enhancing productivity and improving the economic standard of living for Indian citizens.
• Training Skilled Workforce: Trains youth as skilled technicians, ensuring that economic progress is equitably distributed for social and economic justice.
• Understanding Industrial Development: Helps youth grasp the scientific and technological aspects of industrial growth.
• Ensuring Equal Opportunities: Strives to support women, rural and tribal students, and marginalised communities, ensuring inclusive access to education and skill development.

What are the Problems of Vocational Education in the Present Education System?

While vocational training in India has achieved success, there have been problems witnessed at the field level of this system. The connection between vocational training and industry has also been weak, with no structured vocational surveys or proper teacher training taking place at the district level. As a result, several critical issues have emerged:

• Courses often fail to align with real job market demands, leading to a significant gap between the skills learned and what employers actually require.
• Little to no emphasis is placed on emerging industries, leaving students unprepared for new career opportunities.
• Schools are still following outdated syllabus, making learning ineffective.
• Vocational institutions are fewer in number and some of the existing ones are poorly equipped.
• Due to the absence of adequate practical training, students are left with skills that do not translate well into real-world jobs.
• The vocational education system in India further takes a hit due to its shortage of well-trained teachers, weakening the quality of education.
• There is yet little social acceptance of vocational education in India, making it a less attractive option for students.
• Vocational graduates are yet not able to see job opportunities, reducing the appeal of these courses.
• Skill upgrades and continuous education are not showered with opportunities as traditional education. This makes it difficult for students to stay relevant in their fields.
• There yet has to be industry participation in the vocational educational field. For now, students do not get the right exposure and hands-on experience needed for career growth.

Recommendations of Vocational Education in NEP 2020

To become more accepting of the vocational education system in India, India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced some recommendations, including:

1. Boost Enrollment

The NEP 2020 is built on five core principles: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. These pillars aim to prepare the next generation to tackle both national and global challenges in the 21st century.  

Read more: The Five Fundamental Principles of NEP 2020

A key goal of NEP 2020 is to ensure that at least 50% of school children receive vocational education and skill development by 2025. When enrollment in vocational education is promoted, it will help in recognising the importance of hands-on learning, equipping students with practical skills that align with their career interests and industry demands.

2. Include Vocational Education in Mainstream

Vocational training in India has long been perceived as less valuable than traditional academic education. To change this perception, NEP 2020 emphasises integrating vocational education into mainstream schooling at all levels, including schools, higher education institutions, and colleges.

The policy promotes a balanced approach that blends academic learning with practical training, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

3. Encourage Credit-Based Framework

NEP 2020 promotes a credit-based framework to enable seamless movement between general and vocational education. The idea behind this system is to ensure that vocational education holds the same academic value as traditional education, allowing students to transition between the two without any disadvantages. This approach aims to bridge the gap and create equal learning opportunities for all.

4. Fill the Skill-Opportunity Gap

To ensure vocational education in India remains relevant in an ever-evolving job market, NEP 2020 stresses the importance of offering skill-based courses aligned with academic standards. These courses will be designed based on a thorough skill gap analysis, considering factors such as local employment opportunities, industry requirements, and the demand for skilled professionals. Educational institutions will tailor their vocational programs to address these needs, ensuring students gain practical, job-ready skills that align with real-world demands.

5. Form the NCIVE

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) will establish the National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education (NCIVE), bringing together academicians, industry experts, and vocational education specialists. This committee will oversee the seamless integration of vocational and higher education, ensuring that courses align with industry demands. Its primary objective is to equip students with practical knowledge and skills that enhance their employability. Additionally, NCIVE will allocate funds to support the effective incorporation of the vocational education system in India’s mainstream academics.

6. Integrate Lok Vidya

India’s rich heritage of traditional skills, known as Lok Vidya, will be integrated into vocational education, making it more accessible to students. With hundreds of time-honoured occupations practised across the country, this initiative aims to connect students with local arts and crafts. Through Lok Vidya, students will not only learn about traditional skills but also gain hands-on experience through internships at local art centres, ensuring they develop practical expertise while preserving India’s cultural heritage.

7. Introduce Short-Term Courses

To meet industry demands, a range of short-term courses has been introduced, designed to equip learners with practical skills and relevant knowledge. These courses focus on hands-on training, giving students real-world experience and a deeper understanding of industry standards. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the Government aims to enhance skill development and improve job prospects.

8. Set the NSQF Framework

The National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), introduced by the Government of India in 2013, is a competency-based education and training system designed to help individuals choose careers that align with their skills and interests. As a nationally integrated framework, NSQF enables seamless movement between skill training, vocational education, and general or technical education through multiple entry and exit options. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 further strengthens this integration by incorporating vocational and skill-based education into the mainstream education system through NSQF, ensuring a more flexible and career-oriented learning experience.

What Are the Challenges to VET and How to Resolve Them?

With the NEP 2020 vocational education and training (VET) initiative being launched in full swing, many schools and colleges will provide the same to millions of students in the coming decade. A few challenges will likely arise when implementing such a vast policy across a big country like ours. The challenges to VET and the way forward are mentioned below:

Challenge	Way Forward
Overcome social stigma and class hierarchy around vocational education.	Early vocational exposure to students. Various education, information, and media campaigns. Exposure to VE via brochures, short films, etc. Increase awareness amongst people towards VE.
Merge VE with regular education, ensuring gender equality, social inclusion, and inclusive education.	Promote skill-based learning from early stages. Change the curriculum to merge vocational skills and knowledge. Provide more internships and on-the-job training opportunities. Introduce aptitude tests and provide guidance to help students make informed career choices. Define National Occupation Standards (NOSs) by setting learning outcomes that are applied consistently across institutes. Enhanced teacher participation through teacher training. Procure private sector funding and participation in VET.
Introduce LokVidya in schools. (Indigenous skills and knowledge)	Provide internships at local artisans and craft workshops. Students training under local industry experts. Active participation of communities for more vocational exposure.
Make horizontal mobility of vocational students in school possible. Integrate 21st-century entrepreneurship and skills education in schools.	Tie-ups with ITIs, local industries, farmers, hospitals, craftsmen, etc., through the Hub and Spoke model to impart skills training. Teach employability skills in schools. Prepare students for Industry 4.0 by integrating new technologies in VET Launch new vocational courses on the latest topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), etc.
Promote online VE	Introduce new learning techniques, and digital tools, like Massive Open Online Courses, etc.
Make the assessment and evaluation system more comprehensive.	Conduct more aptitude tests to find out the special skills and abilities of students. Measure learning outcomes with not only marks but other things such as group work, presentations, worksheets, etc. for an overall assessment and evaluation of all students.
Encourage vertical mobility of vocational students.	Various courses designed under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) will allow vertical mobility of vocational students.
Better training programmes for vocational teachers.	Enhancing capacities of vocational teachers. Offer multiple online and offline training courses. Invite industry experts to train the teachers. Ensure all vocational teachers get standardised training. Collaborate with industries and research institutes to provide innovative training to teachers.

Proposed Pathway for Vocational Education in India

To promote the vocational education system in India, this is the proposed pathway:

Image source: Re-imagining Vocational Education: The NEP-2020 Perspective

Integrating the Latest Technology with Education

NEP 2020 reinforces the extensive and positive use of technology to develop skills and for vocational education. This will help to meet the growing market demands. Integrating technology into the school and education curriculum guarantees the required changes and transformation of the educational sector.

Watch the latest episode of Extramarks Elevate, where leading educationists and technocrats discuss key trends shaping the future of education and technology.

NEP 2020 aims to remove geographical barriers, provide interactive digital content, personalise learning with adaptive technologies, and promote collaboration between Indian students and global experts by adopting the latest technologies.

Various grants are given to States/UTs to further accommodate vocational education. One non-recurring grant under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme is for purchasing tools and equipment, like furniture, computers, etc., which will help build the required infrastructure for vocational education in schools.

Conclusion

The focus on vocational education in NEP 2020 is the correct step for achieving a better skilled and empowered workforce in our country. Vocational education is an important part of students’ overall education, and providing the required infrastructure, technology, and training for it is a great initiative under NEP 2020.

Last Updated on March 13, 2025