NSDC Training Partner Requirements

For a newly set up event management institute seeking NSDC affiliation, the requirement for a three-year balance sheet depends on the specific NSDC partnership scheme you apply for, but generally, for a new entity, this requirement can be managed or exempted. 

Process of NSDC Affiliation

The general process for a new training provider to get NSDC affiliation involves several steps:

1. Understand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines for NSDC affiliation, which may vary based on whether you apply as a Funded or Non-Funded Training Partner and the specific scheme (e.g., Market Led Program (MLP) Scheme).
2. Online Application: Register your organization as a Training Provider (TP) on the official Skill India Portal (SIP). This involves filling out an online form with all required details.
3. Document Submission: Submit necessary legal and operational documents, including:
   • Certificate of Incorporation/Registration of the organization.
   • PAN and GST Registration Certificates.
   • Training Infrastructure Details (layout plans, equipment list, geotagged photos of facilities, rent/ownership proof).
   • Trainer Qualification and Experience Certificates (aligned with Sector Skill Council norms).
   • Details of the proposed training curriculum, aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the relevant Sector Skill Council (SSC) for event management.
   • Financial documents (see below for specific details on balance sheets).
   • Affiliation Request Letter.
4. Due Diligence and Assessment: NSDC or an authorized inspection agency will conduct a preliminary assessment and likely a physical inspection of your training facilities to verify compliance with quality standards and operational readiness.
5. SSC Affiliation: You will need to get your courses and centers accredited and affiliated by the relevant Sector Skill Council (SSC) for the event management sector. The SSC defines the specific standards, curriculum, and assessment guidelines for your job roles.
6. Approval and Agreement: Upon successful evaluation and compliance verification, an affiliation agreement will be signed between your institute and NSDC, and you will receive an official affiliation certificate.
7. Commencement of Operations: After receiving final approval and affiliation, you can start training programs under the NSDC framework and use the NSDC/Skill India branding as per guidelines. 

Requirement for 3 Years Balance Sheet 

It is generally not mandatory for a brand-new institute to produce 3 years of audited balance sheets from the CA, because a new entity would not have this history. 

• NSDC guidelines for established entities typically require audited financial statements and ITRs for the last 3 years to demonstrate financial stability and a proven track record.
• For newly established institutes or “start-ups”, the financial documentation requirements are modified.
• For example, under the MLP Scheme, for-profit start-ups that have completed 6 months of operations can apply if they demonstrate sustainable operations and have received a certain level of funding infusion.
• Instead of a 3-year balance sheet, a new institute might need to provide other proof of financial viability and a robust business plan, potentially including:
  • Bank statements (e.g., last 6 months).
  • A CA certified statement of net worth for the organization/directors.
  • Details of funding sources and projected financial health. 

It is highly recommended to contact NSDC directly through their official website or helpline to get the precise and latest documentation requirements for a newly established event management institute under the current applicable scheme. 

Relevant Documents and Process for Application for NSDC Partnership (Non-Funded)

The application process is typically multi-stage and involves a thorough due diligence process.

1. Expression of Interest/Proposal Submission:

1. Organizations interested in a Non-Funded Partnership usually start by submitting an online query or a formal proposal to NSDC. NSDC often provides specific templates for these proposals.
2. The proposal should detail the organization’s background, proposed skill development programs, target beneficiaries, expected outcomes (placements/self-employment), methodology, infrastructure, faculty, and financial viability (even if not seeking funding, stability is crucial).
3. Initial Fees: A processing fee (e.g., INR 50,000) may be required for proposal submission and/or upon clearing the first level of evaluation.

2. Documentation Required (Typical documents, subject to NSDC’s specific guidelines):

1. Legal Entity Proof: Certificate of Incorporation/Registration, Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA) or Trust Deed/Bylaws.
2. Financial Documents: Audited financial statements (last 3 years), Income Tax Returns (last 3 years), bank statements (last 6 months), CA certificate of Net Worth (for the organization and directors/members).
3. Experience Proof: Documentation of previous experience in skill development programs, work orders, completion certificates, and details of trained and placed candidates.
4. Infrastructure Details: Ownership/Rental agreements for training centers, layout plans, list of equipment, photographs of facilities, details of classrooms and labs.
5. Human Resources: HR letters for permanent and contract employees, CVs of key management, trainers’ qualification and experience certificates, Trainer of Trainers (ToT) certificates.
6. Course Details: Detailed training curriculum aligned with NSQF/SSC QPs/NOS.
7. Board Resolution: Authorizing the signatory to apply on behalf of the organization.
8. Identity & Address Proof: Directors’/Members’ Aadhaar and PAN cards, proof of address for offices.
9. Affiliation Request Letter: Formal request for NSDC partnership on company letterhead.
10. Compliance Documents: Any other regulatory compliance documents.

3. Evaluation and Due Diligence:

1. Screening: Initial scrutiny of the proposal and submitted documents.
2. Legal, Technical & Financial Diligence: NSDC conducts a thorough review of the organization’s legal standing, technical capabilities (infrastructure, curriculum, trainers), and financial health.
3. Site Visits: NSDC or its authorized agency may conduct physical inspections of the training facilities to verify details.
4. Management Team Assessment: Evaluation of the credentials, track record, and robustness of the management team.

4. Approval and Agreement:

1. If the proposal is approved by the appropriate authority/committees within NSDC, a Non-Funded Partnership Agreement is signed between NSDC and the organization. This agreement typically covers a period of 3 years.
2. An annual fixed fee and/or variable fee per certified candidate might be applicable as part of the enabling services support.

5. Post-Partnership:

1. The partner is required to adhere to NSDC’s monitoring system, including reporting on training outcomes, placements, and financial performance.
2. Partnership renewal is subject to evaluation of performance and adherence to guidelines.

For the most precise and up-to-date guidelines and application forms, it is essential to refer to the official NSDC website (nsdcindia.org) under the “Become a Partner” or “Non-Funded Partnership” sections, or contact NSDC directly via their provided helplines or email (e.g., bd@nsdcindia.org).

Benefits to Training Organization and Beneficiaries

Benefits to Training Organizations (NSDC Non-Funded Partners):

1. Credibility and Brand Enhancement: Associating with NSDC, a government-backed entity, significantly enhances the organization’s credibility and brand image in the skill development landscape. This can attract more students and industry partners.
2. Access to Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): Partners gain access to the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), an integrated platform for managing the entire training lifecycle, including student enrollment, attendance, assessment, certification, and placement data. This streamlines operations and ensures data integrity.
3. Co-Branded Certificates: NSDC provides system-generated and barcoded co-branded certificates upon successful completion of approved programs, which are highly recognized and valued in the job market.
4. Quality Assurance and Standardization: Adherence to NSDC’s stringent quality standards, curriculum alignment with QPs/NOS, and regular monitoring ensures high-quality training delivery.
5. Industry Linkages: NSDC facilitates connections with industries for apprenticeships, placements, and understanding industry requirements, improving the employability of trained candidates.
6. Marketing and Promotion: Joint marketing and promotion of programs/batches/events through NSDC’s digital/electronic media platforms.
7. Access to Ecosystem Services: Facilitation of affordable skill loans for students in partnership with NSDC-empaneled NBFCs.
8. International Market Opportunities: Potential facilitation of international market opportunities through NSDC International Limited.
9. Liaison with Sector Skill Councils (SSCs): Enhanced collaboration and support from relevant SSCs for curriculum development, trainer certification, and industry validation.
10. Participation in Government Schemes: While non-funded, this partnership can make organizations eligible for participation in future government-backed skill development schemes or initiatives where NSDC partnership is a prerequisite.
11. Continuous Improvement: Regular monitoring, feedback mechanisms, and conference calls with NSDC help partners identify areas for improvement and maintain high performance.

Benefits to Beneficiaries (Students/Trainees):

1. Nationally Recognized Certification: Students receive NSDC co-branded certificates, which are widely recognized by employers across various industries and government bodies, enhancing their employability.
2. Industry-Relevant Skills: Training programs are aligned with industry-defined Qualification Packs (QPs) and National Occupational Standards (NOS), ensuring that the skills acquired are in demand and relevant to current market needs.
3. Improved Employability: The focus on outcome-oriented training, coupled with NSDC’s industry linkages and placement support, significantly improves the chances of students securing jobs or becoming self-employed.
4. Quality Training: Training is delivered by accredited partners, ensuring quality infrastructure, qualified trainers, and standardized curriculum.
5. Access to Skill Loans: Facilitation of skill loans from empaneled financial institutions makes skill training more accessible and affordable for a wider range of individuals.
6. Career Progression: NSDC certificates serve as a stepping stone for further skill development, higher education, or career advancement.
7. Digital Literacy: Many programs incorporate digital skills, preparing beneficiaries for the evolving digital economy.

What is the role of NSDC?

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) organization, established in 2008 under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. Its overarching mission is to catalyze the skill development ecosystem in India by involving the private sector.

NSDC’s key roles include:

1. Market Maker and Catalyst: NSDC acts as a “market maker” by identifying critical skill gaps and developing appropriate models to enhance, support, and coordinate private sector initiatives in skill development. It aims to bridge the demand-supply gap for skilled manpower.
2. Funding and Incentivizing: While the “Non-Funded Partnership” is a specific model, NSDC also provides funding support (loans, equity, grants) to commercially viable, scalable, and sustainable vocational training institutions and enterprises, particularly in sectors where market mechanisms are weak.
3. Partnership Development: NSDC builds a robust network of training partners (funded, non-funded, innovation partners) across various sectors and geographies, leveraging their expertise and infrastructure to scale up skill training.
4. Quality Assurance and Standardization: NSDC plays a crucial role in setting and maintaining quality standards for skill training programs. This involves:
   1. Developing Qualification Packs (QPs) and National Occupational Standards (NOS) through Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).
   2. Accrediting training centers and certifying trainers.
   3. Monitoring training delivery and outcomes.
   4. Ensuring industry-recognized certification for trainees.
5. Curriculum Development and Learning Resources: NSDC facilitates the development of industry-aligned curriculum and provides access to learning resources and technology platforms.
6. Information Systems (Skill India Portal – SIP): NSDC manages and promotes the use of integrated digital platforms like the Skill India Portal (SIP) for efficient management, monitoring, and reporting of skill development activities.
7. Industry Linkages and Placements: NSDC fosters strong linkages between training providers and industries to ensure that training is relevant to industry needs and that trained individuals find suitable employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.
8. International Collaborations: NSDC explores and facilitates international collaborations for skill development, including global opportunities for Indian skilled workforce.
9. Promoting Innovation: NSDC identifies and supports innovative approaches and technologies in skill development, including digital learning and outcome-focused solutions.
10. Policy Advocacy and Research: NSDC contributes to policy formulation and conducts research to understand market dynamics and inform skill development strategies.

In essence, NSDC’s role is to act as a facilitator, enabler, and quality assurance body, driving private sector participation and investment in skill development to create a large, quality, and sustainable skilled workforce for India’s economic growth