Part 2: National Skills Qualification Framework Levels 6-10

The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) in India is a key initiative aimed at enhancing the skill development ecosystem across the country. NSQF provides a structured and standardized system to classify qualifications based on levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude, ranging from Level 1 (entry-level skills) to Level 10 (highest level of expertise).

Training under NSQF can address the existing imbalance between the supply and demand for skilled labour in vital industries like manufacturing and healthcare among many others. Various ministries, state governments, and industry partners collaborate to integrate NSQF across educational and training institutions.

In part 1 of our blog, we explored NSQF¹ Levels 1 to 5. In this follow-up series, we take a look at NSQF Levels 6 to 10 and what these entail.

Click here to read NSQF Level 1 to 5

NSQF Level 6

At this level, individuals perform complex tasks that require specialized knowledge and skills. They can work independently and may supervise or guide others. The tasks may involve decision-making in varied contexts.

• Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of principles, processes, and general concepts in a specific field of work or study.
• Skills: A wide range of specialized cognitive and practical skills are required to generate solutions to specific problems in a field of work or study.
• Responsibility: Full responsibility for own work and for others’ output, usually in a supervisory or managerial role.

Job Role Examples

• Junior Engineer: Involved in planning, designing, and overseeing construction or manufacturing processes, often supervising a team of technicians.
• Restaurant Manager: Manages daily operations, ensures customer satisfaction, handles staff management, and maintains the quality of service.
• Web Developer (Advanced): Designs and builds complex websites or applications, often leading a team of developers.

NSQF Level 7

This level involves specialized knowledge and skills with a high degree of professional competence. Individuals can manage and design processes and make decisions based on a thorough understanding of their field.

• Knowledge: Comprehensive, theoretical, and practical knowledge in a specialized field of work or study.
• Skills: Specialized skills to solve complex problems and to adapt procedures or methodologies in a field of work or study.
• Responsibility: Responsible for making judgments and managing processes, including leading projects and teams.

Job Role Examples

• Senior Engineer/Project Manager: Manages large-scale projects, from planning and resource allocation to execution and quality control, often making strategic decisions.
• Business Analyst: Analyzes business processes while identifying areas for improvement. Recommends solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability.
• Nurse Supervisor: Oversees nursing staff, manages patient care, and ensures adherence to healthcare protocols and standards.

NSQF Level 8

At this level, individuals exhibit advanced knowledge and skills, often in a managerial or leadership capacity. They can innovate and develop new strategies, processes, or products.

• Knowledge: Highly specialized knowledge, including analysis and synthesis of information across a broad field of work or study.
• Skills: Advanced skills in innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking required to manage complex processes and lead projects.
• Responsibility: Responsible for strategic planning, decision-making, and leadership in an organization or specialized field.

Job Role Examples

• Operations Manager: Manages the day-to-day operations of an organization, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in achieving organizational goals.
• Architect: Designs and oversees the construction of buildings, ensuring they meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Research Scientist: Conducts advanced research in a specialized field, developing new theories, products, or technologies.

NSQF Level 9

This level involves mastery of a specialized area, often at the forefront of professional practice. Individuals at this level can create new knowledge and processes and contribute to the advancement of their field.

• Knowledge: Specialized, high-level knowledge in a complex and unpredictable context, including the creation of new knowledge.
• Skills: Highly developed skills in research, innovation, and leadership, with the ability to design and implement new systems or processes.
• Responsibility: Full responsibility for decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations, often involving strategic leadership.

Job Role Examples

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Leads the technological development and innovation in an organization, shaping the tech strategy to align with business goals.
• Principal Scientist: Leads advanced research projects, often directing a team of scientists and contributing to the strategic direction of research initiatives.
• University Professor: Conducts advanced research, teaches at the highest level, and contributes to academic knowledge in a specialized field.

NSQF Level 10

The highest level in the NSQF, individuals at this level demonstrate exceptional expertise and leadership in their field. They are capable of creating new concepts, leading organizations, and influencing the direction of their industry or field of study.

• Knowledge: Highly specialized, cutting-edge knowledge that contributes to the advancement of the field or discipline.
• Skills: Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating new strategies, concepts, and processes. Capable of leading at the highest level and influencing the direction of the organization or field.
• Responsibility: Complete responsibility for all aspects of decision-making and leadership within an organization or academic field, including responsibility for the development of others.

Job Role Examples

• CEO (Chief Executive Officer): Responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of an organization, often representing the company at the highest levels.
• Senior Academic or Scientist (e.g., Distinguished Professor or Head of Research Institute): Leads significant academic or research institutions, guiding the strategic direction of research and academic endeavours.
• Policy Maker/Strategist: Develops and implements policies at the national or international level, influencing the direction of industries or sectors.

Summary of Levels 6 to 10

• Level 6: Specialized skills with supervisory responsibilities.
• Level 7: High-level knowledge and problem-solving abilities with management roles.
• Level 8: Advanced knowledge and specialized skills with strategic planning and leadership roles.
• Level 9: Mastery of a specialized area with leadership in research or industry.
• Level 10: Exceptional expertise and leadership, influencing industry or academic fields.

Conclusion

These levels showcase the progression from specialized tasks with supervisory responsibilities to strategic leadership roles requiring exceptional expertise and the ability to influence an entire industry or field.

Implementation of NSQF involves aligning vocational education and training programmes with these levels, ensuring that the qualifications are industry-relevant and recognized nationally and internationally. The framework facilitates mobility across sectors and provides clear pathways for career progression, allowing individuals to upskill or reskill as needed.

To know more in the education and skill development sectors, visit Ampersand Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the objectives of NSQF?

NSQF training aims to build a strong workforce, reduce unemployment, improve productivity and standardize learning outcomes while fostering learning outcomes.

Q2. What are the outcomes expected from implementation of NSQF?

Positive outcomes are expected from NSQF implementation. Mainly mobility between vocational and general education by alignment of degrees with NSQF and allowing transition from non-formal to organized job market.

Q3. How many levels of NSQF are there?

NSQF provides a structured and standardized system to classify qualifications based on levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude, ranging from Level 1 (entry-level skills) to Level 10 (highest level of expertise).

Reference

1. Gazette Of India