New Delhi, 23 May 2022.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the nodal agency under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi to introduce initiatives that will enable effective digital course delivery to the youth, expanding the reach of quality learning and skilling, along with immersive hands-on learning opportunities.

The MoU was signed by Ved Mani Tiwari, Chief Operating Officer and Officiating CEO, NSDC and Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi in New Delhi.

The collaboration aims to introduce digital courses in emerging technologies such as data science, big data analytics, among other. NSDC along with IIT Mandi will design and conceptualize the programin line with the training requirements of students and the market, set up Centres of Excellence (CoE) to help development repreneurial spirit and culture among Indian youth towards realizing the larger vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat as well as building capacity of teachers, trainers, and grassroots leaders.New models of training methodology will be jointly created to make cutting-edge learning opportunities more accessible, leading to enhanced employability. NSDC will oversee the on-ground implementation of overall training program and mobilize the candidates who are keen to avail the training courses being offered by IIT Mandi.

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Ved Mani Tiwari, Chief Operating Officer and Officiating CEO, NSDC said, “As we surge to a future of technology-powered growth, we have immense opportunity to build a high-quality skilled workforce for the rest of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the need to develop new-age skills while strengthening mechanisms for traditional job roles. Therefore, it is imperative for educational institutes and the industry to come together to enable a holistic ecosystem where India’s youth have access to the resources and mentored routes to the right opportunities. Our partnership with IIT Mandi is an important step to take forward the commitment of keeping India’s young minds relevant in the current business environment. IIT Mandi has established itself as a leading institute in science and technology education and, the dynamic curriculum that will be designed and conceptualized under the program, will prepare India’s talent for the digital future.”

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi said, “I am happy to share that IIT Mandi has embarked on a long-term journey, in collaboration with NSDC, to impart high-end skills to the underprivileged youthand working professionals, among others. A joint initiative to set up a unique facility for immersive hands-on experience is being planned in the IIT Mandi campus that will promote skills in emerging technologies along with entrepreneurship.”

As a premier institute, IIT Mandi will facilitate the design and delivery of digital learning modules for the targeted candidate profiles. The institute will be involved in quality implementation of live classes. through a robust framework. The institute will also contribute towards capacity building of grass root leaders, including teachers in the field of education and skilling in the country.