NSDC, HCLTech forge partnership to boost digital skills among India’s youth

In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering the Indian youth through digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has entered a key partnership with HCLTech. This strategic move is aimed at bridging the current skills gap, especially in the technology and engineering sectors, and expanding into new global markets and business opportunities.

The significant collaboration was marked by the exchange of agreements between Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, and C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director of HCLTech. This partnership is timely, coming in the wake of the G20’s Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting, where consensus was reached on critical deliverables in areas including Digital Skilling and Digital Public Infrastructure.

The core of this partnership is the joint transformation of digital learning and assessment landscapes, expanding both B2B and B2C horizons. With a focus on creating innovative products and programs, NSDC and HCLTech are set to revolutionize talent enhancement with flexibility and scale, ensuring that high-quality training is accessible to every Indian. This collaboration is expected to redefine assessment standards in digital learning, reflecting a deep commitment to regularly evaluate and augment access to technology for learners.

India Upskills: NSDC, HCLTech Alliance to Bridge Tech Education Gap. Photo courtesy of Raghukraman/Wikimedia Commons.

“The NSDC and HCLTech are entering into this partnership with a commitment to enhance the trust in job markets,” stated Ved Mani Tiwari, highlighting the development of a new assessment platform to certify skills in demand and advocating for a shift from qualification-based to skill-based hiring. He emphasized the goal of both organizations to provide upskilling and reskilling online courses to prepare individuals for a dynamic job market.

Forecasts suggest the assessment market will reach over $10 billion by 2027, with significant contributions from North America, Europe, and the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. The partnership aims to capitalize on this growth by leveraging technical and domain expertise to create joint IPs, and offer advisory services, thereby enhancing the skilling and educational ecosystem.

Srimathi Shivashankar, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, EdTech Business at HCLTech, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with NSDC to leverage digital technologies to build a future-ready talent ecosystem for India and the rest of the world.”

Under its EdTech Business, HCLTech brings extensive experience to support the establishment of technology and talent skill academies through Career Shaper learning and assessment platforms. These platforms are instrumental in advancing the global employability of India’s youth.

In its continuous endeavor, NSDC, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has been advancing digital skills through integration of technology into skill development, enhancing the digital skills revolution in India. The Skill India Digital (SID) platform, launched amidst India’s G20 presidency, plays a crucial role in transitioning India into a leading digital economy and preparing the youth for international opportunities, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of establishing India as a global skill hub.