IGNOU partners with MSDE to expand skill training nationwide

The Indira Gandhi National Open University and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship have signed a new agreement to expand skill training facilities across the country through a network of IGNOU campuses.

The partnership calls for establishing skill centers at all 70 IGNOU regional centers.

These centers will run industry-oriented courses under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, following the National Skills Qualifications Framework so that learners receive certificates that are formally recognized.

IGNOU will function as a training partner under PMKVY 4.0 and will use its 70 regional centers and more than 2,400 learner support centers to deliver a broad set of skill programs.

The university will also tap into its digital learning system and blended teaching model to offer flexible training options for different job roles.

Key provisions of the MoU include setting up skill centers with MSDE support, offering NSQF-aligned courses, and adding vocational modules to academic programs to help students earn credits in accordance with the National Education Policy.

Trainer development will be handled by MSDE through Sector Skill Councils.

Placement support, internships, and job fairs will be arranged with industry partners, while the Skill India Digital Hub will be used to track learner progress.

According to IGNOU, the initiative will widen access to skilling for women, rural youth, first-generation learners, and informal sector workers, improving their employment prospects.

The MoU was finalized on Dec 9 at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Prof Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, and Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, along with senior officials from both sides.