The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has expanded its flagship Centre for Future Skills (CFS) initiative to embed global certifications and advanced technical training directly into mainstream higher education programmes. The campus-based, technology-integrated model aims to impact one million students over the next decade by aligning degree pathways with global industry standards and emerging technology demands. The initiative is currently operational in 12 institutions, with over 43,000 candidates trained so far. Speaking on the expansion, NSDC CEO Shri Arunkumar Pillai said, “The Centre for Future Skills marks a structural shift in how India prepares its youth for the future economy. Over the next three years, we aim to add 22 more centres nationwide.”
The latest centre was inaugurated at the Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), Kochi. Under the CFS model, students earn two to three academic credits per semester along with globally recognised certifications without extending their degree duration. More than 200 certification programmes are offered in partnership with global technology firms, delivered through 45–50 hour lab-based sessions each semester. In the Software Engineering track, students progress from programming fundamentals to full-stack development and cloud deployment, earning four to six certifications by graduation.
In Guwahati, the initiative is expected to significantly benefit students across Assam and the Northeast. With rising demand for cloud computing, DevOps and application development skills in Guwahati’s growing IT and startup ecosystem, access to subsidised global certifications could enhance employability and reduce industry training costs in the regional job market.