New Delhi, June 2023.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the knowledge and implementation partner of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has signed an MoU with Sikkim-based Medhavi Skill University (MSU) and Hyderabad-based Inter National Institute of Fashion Designing (INIFD) to design, curate and develop new-age short term courses in the field of fashion design, interior design, and beauty and wellness.

The collaboration intends to equip students with fashion and interior design industry-relevant skills, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge in real-life scenarios and increase their employability. The courses have been designed under the guidelines of the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). The MoU was exchanged between NSDC's CEO Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, INIFD's CEO Mr. Anil Khosla, and the Founder Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, Mr. Pravesh Dudani.

The students aspiring to make a career in the field will benefit from the skill-based training and provide specialization across domains through a unique blend of design-based assignments and lecture room-based learning. These courses will help MSU degree- and diploma pursing students strengthen their basics and fundamentals while also giving them practical exposure that will improve their creativity, decision-making, and employment prospects. Upon completion of the course, INIFD will provide a participation certificate to the students.

Speaking on the collaboration, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International said, “In recent years, there has been a notable surge in demand for skilled professionals in the interior and design sector. This has made it imperative to equip young Indians with specialized skills that cater to the present talent market. As a solution to this need, the courses that have been created are specific to the domain and are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF). With multiple entry and exit points, these courses make it easier for students to transition seamlessly into higher education pathways. Furthermore, these courses promote students’ overall development by encouraging growth, improving curriculum, and fostering training readiness. The partnership between NSDC, NIFD, and MSU marks a crucial stride towards honing the skills of prospective students, thereby leading the way towards success in the sector”

Under the partnership, MSU will serve as the anchor university, while NSDC will provide comprehensive guidance and advisory support throughout the process. NIFD will be responsible for building the outreach of the programme, catering to the educational needs of students and aligning with industry demands. It will oversee enrolment candidates, as well as operation and management of new courses, ensuring a thorough and seamless learning experience in the domain. Also, INIFD will establish a centre of excellence after consultation with NSDC and MSU, primarily working in the fields of Fashion and Interior Design skills to boost the overseas mobility of the students.

This strategic alliance is expected to significantly boost the design education sector in India, providing students with enhanced practical exposure and industry-relevant skills, and promoting the creation of a skilled workforce in the growing national economy.