Part 1: National Skills Qualification Framework Levels 1-5

The Indian government recognised the importance of skill development among the youth and students and began building the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). A robust NSQF means that the economy can meet the current demand and supply mismatch between skilled workforce in critical sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing.

NSQF organises qualifications in terms of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude and these are defined by learning outcomes. This nationally integrated education framework covers vocational education, general education as well as technical education.

It organizes qualifications into 10 levels, where each level is defined by a set of descriptors indicating the required knowledge, skills and competencies.

In this blog, let’s take a look at NSQF¹ Levels 1 to 5, including examples of job roles for each level:

NSQF Level 1

At this basic level, individuals possess fundamental knowledge and skills related to simple tasks. The tasks are routine, repetitive, and require limited responsibility or judgment.

• Knowledge: Basic factual knowledge of the field of work or study.
• Skills: Limited range of simple tasks; follows routine procedures.
• Responsibility: Works under direct supervision with minimal autonomy.

Job Role Examples

• Helper: Assists skilled workers in carrying out basic tasks, such as in construction or agriculture.
• Unskilled Worker: Performs simple, repetitive tasks such as loading/unloading goods, cleaning, or basic labour tasks in manufacturing or services.

NSQF Level 2

Individuals at this level are capable of performing routine tasks that are repetitive and involve a limited range of activities. These tasks require basic operational skills and are performed under close supervision.

• Knowledge: Basic knowledge of facts and principles in the field of work or study.
• Skills: Basic cognitive and practical skills required to use relevant information to carry out tasks and solve routine problems.
• Responsibility: Some autonomy is granted while working under supervision; limited responsibility for own work.

Job Role Examples

• Assistant Mason: Assists masons by mixing cement, preparing surfaces, and performing basic masonry tasks.
• Office Boy/Peon: Performs basic office duties such as delivering messages, serving tea/coffee, and maintaining cleanliness.

NSQF Level 3

This level involves performing tasks that are routine but require a broader range of knowledge and skills. Individuals can take responsibility for their work, with some supervision.

• Knowledge: Knowledge of facts, principles, processes, and general concepts in the field of work or study.
• Skills: A range of cognitive and practical skills to accomplish tasks, solve problems, and operate within defined guidelines.
• Responsibility: Works under limited supervision, and takes some responsibility for own work within defined boundaries.

Job Role Examples

• Data Entry Operator: Responsible for entering and updating data in computer systems, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedures.
• Housekeeping Attendant: Carries out routine cleaning and maintenance tasks in hotels, hospitals, or offices, with some responsibility for maintaining standards.

NSQF Level 4

At this level, individuals perform a wide range of tasks, requiring well-developed skills. They are capable of taking some responsibility for the work of others and can work independently.

• Knowledge: Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work or study.
• Skills: A range of cognitive and practical skills required to generate solutions to specific problems in a field of work or study.
• Responsibility: Works independently, and may supervise others; responsibility for own work and the quality of work of others.

Job Role Examples

• Field Sales Executive: Conducts sales activities, identifies leads, interacts with customers, and meets sales targets, often with a degree of autonomy.
• Tailor/Dressmaker: Designs, cuts, and sews garments according to customer specifications, often requiring creativity and technical skill.

NSQF Level 5

This level involves performing tasks that require a high degree of responsibility and autonomy. Individuals can manage processes and make decisions based on substantial experience and knowledge.

• Knowledge: Comprehensive, factual, and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study.
• Skills: A broad range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems.
• Responsibility: Full responsibility for output and decision-making; may supervise and train others.

Job Role Examples

• Junior Supervisor: Oversees a small team, ensures tasks are completed efficiently, and manages workflow in industries like manufacturing or retail.
• Electrician: Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems, requiring technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or lead a small team.

Here’s a summary of NSQF levels 1 to 5

• Level 1: Basic operational tasks with close supervision.
• Level 2: Routine tasks requiring basic skills under supervision.
• Level 3: Routine but broader tasks with limited supervision.
• Level 4: Independent work with potential supervisory roles.
• Level 5: Autonomous decision-making with responsibility for others.

These levels illustrate the progression from basic tasks requiring minimal responsibility to more complex tasks requiring higher levels of knowledge, skills, and autonomy.

Conclusion

NSQF gives students and learners the opportunity to reach their chosen competency levels, enter the workforce, then, when the time is right, go back and pick up new skills to advance their abilities even further. It also enhances their employability by providing evidence of practical proficiency alongside academic qualifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)?

The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) is a competency-based framework in India that organizes qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude. It aims to standardize skill development and align educational qualifications with industry requirements, making it easier for individuals to move between education and employment.

Q2. How does the NSQF benefit students and job seekers?

The NSQF benefits students and job seekers by providing clear pathways for education and career progression. It ensures that qualifications are nationally recognized and aligned with industry standards, making it easier for individuals to gain employment or pursue further education. The framework also facilitates credit accumulation and transfer, allowing for flexibility in learning.

Q3. How does the NSQF impact employers and industries?

The NSQF helps employers by providing a clear understanding of the skills and competencies associated with different qualifications. This enables them to make informed hiring decisions and ensures that employees have the necessary skills for their roles. It also supports industries in identifying skill gaps and developing training programs that meet current and future workforce needs.

Reference

1. Gazette Of India