State Boards Take Strategic Leap as Dual Category Awarding Bodies

Chandigarh, July 18, 2025: In a significant step toward aligning formal education with vocational training, a National Workshop on Onboarding State/UT Education Boards as Dual Category Awarding Bodies under NCVET was held today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The event marked a collaborative initiative by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).

Organised as part of a whole-of-government effort under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the workshop witnessed participation from over 150 delegates, including senior officials from 24 State and UT education boards.

Empowering State Boards through Dual Category Recognition

The workshop’s key objective was to guide State Boards in applying for recognition as Dual Category Awarding Bodies (ABs) under NCVET — a status that enables them to conduct both vocational training and assessments, aligned with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) standards.

Unlike traditional Awarding Bodies, Dual Category ABs can provide end-to-end vocational education services, giving State Boards a central role in developing and certifying vocational skills within their jurisdictions.

Advantages of Becoming a Dual Category Awarding Body

Recognition as a Dual Category AB brings a host of benefits:

• Government endorsement in the national vocational education and training (VET) ecosystem

• Access to NCVET-aligned qualifications and curricula

• Improved credibility among employers and higher education institutions

• Capacity to offer courses up to NSQF Level 4, enhancing grassroots employment opportunities

The integration of tools like the National Credit Framework (NCrF), Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is set to further streamline the role of State Boards in vocational education delivery.

Leadership Voices Emphasise Quality and Accountability

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Rajit Punhani, Secretary, MSDE, said:

“As we move to elevate the profile of NCVET, our aim is not only to expand its reach but to ensure it becomes a benchmark of quality and integrity in the skills ecosystem. With State Boards now stepping into the role of Dual Category Awarding Bodies, the responsibility is immense. This is a moment to redefine our collective identity—to make every training course and every certificate issued stand for excellence.”

Hands-On Support and Real-Time Application Submissions

The workshop featured structured technical sessions on NCVET regulations, responsibilities of Awarding Bodies, and a dedicated hands-on segment where NCVET consultants provided real-time support.

As a result:

• 24 States successfully initiated the NCVET recognition process

• 6 States—Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Nagaland—completed and submitted their application forms on-site

Sharing Best Practices: Goa Board Case Study

The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) shared its successful onboarding experience, offering a case study that highlighted practical learnings and implementation strategies for other States.

High-Level Participation and Cross-Ministerial Collaboration

The workshop was graced by senior dignitaries, including:

• Ms. Sonal Mishra, Additional Secretary, MSDE

• Ms. Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary, DoSE&L

• Dr. Vinita Agarwal and Dr. Neena Pahuja, Executive Members, NCVET

Their presence reinforced the government’s unified approach to integrating vocational training into mainstream education.

A Converging Effort for a Future-Ready Workforce

This national workshop served as a culmination of prior consultations, including virtual dialogues, state-specific discussions, and coordination meetings. It reinforced the Centre’s commitment to strengthening vocational pathways through schools and equipping State Boards to play a transformational role in skilling India’s youth.