In a landmark move to address the growing employability gap in India, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and TCS iON have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the National Proficiency Tests (NPTs). This collaboration aims to provide industry-recognized certifications to enhance skills and improve job prospects for youth across the nation.
The NPTs, powered by TCS iON, will serve as a nationwide platform for students, job seekers, and professionals to validate their skills in diverse sectors such as IT, BFSI, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and more. These assessments, conducted monthly, will include a unique two-part test: Test of Knowledge and Test of Application. Participants will receive a Proficiency Score, demonstrating their capabilities to potential employers and boosting their chances of securing better job opportunities.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, highlighted that this partnership will play a crucial role in bridging the employability gap in India, enabling youth to align their skills with industry standards. “Empowering youth with relevant skills and certifications is essential for fostering a robust economy,” he said. In Guwahati, the NPTs are expected to benefit the local market by providing qualified candidates for sectors such as IT and healthcare, industries witnessing steady demand in the region. Local employers will now have access to a pool of pre-certified candidates, streamlining the hiring process and reducing recruitment time.