The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, established by an Act of Parliament in 1956. Its mandate is to promote and coordinate university education, maintain standards of teaching, examination, and research, and provide grants to eligible universities and colleges. The UGC also advises the Central and State Governments on measures necessary for the development of higher education.
Established in November 1945, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) serves as a national-level apex advisory body to survey technical education facilities and promote coordinated development. As outlined in the National Policy of Education (1986), AICTE holds statutory authority for planning, formulating, and maintaining norms and standards, ensuring quality assurance through accreditation, funding priority areas, and managing technical education in the country.
The National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) was established by the Government of India in 1956 as an advisory body for vocational courses. It follows the guidelines of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Directorate General of Training (DGT). NCVT conducts tests such as the All India Trade Test, Craftsmen Training Scheme, and Apprenticeship Training Scheme, awarding National Trade Certificates to successful candidates.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) coordinates all skill development efforts across India. It aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower, build vocational and technical training frameworks, and foster innovative thinking for both existing and future jobs. The MSDE is committed to achieving its vision of a 'Skilled India' through large-scale, high-standard skilling initiatives.
The Directorate of Jan Shikshan Sansthan (DJSS), a subordinate office of MSDE, oversees the JSS Scheme through a network of NGOs. DJSS is responsible for approving annual action plans, recommending grant releases, providing technical support, supervising performance, facilitating evaluations, training staff, and developing curricula. It coordinates with NSTI, NSDC, and NSDA and organizes national-level meetings and workshops.
The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) was established by the MSDE, Government of India, in December 2018 as a regulatory body. Operational since August 2020, NCVET integrates the functions of the former NSDA and NCVT. It sets standards and formulates regulations for vocational education and training, ensuring quality and improving outcomes. NCVET's functions include recognizing, monitoring, and disciplining awarding bodies, assessment agencies, and skill information providers, as well as approving qualifications and addressing grievances.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) was established on July 31, 2008, as a not-for-profit public limited company under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. Operating as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model under the MSDE, NSDC enhances, supports, and coordinates private sector initiatives in vocational training. It provides funding, concessional loans, and other financial products to enterprises, start-ups, and organizations. NSDC aims to build a robust skill ecosystem that meets current industry demands and anticipates future trends.
Established in 2009, the National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) raises funds from government and non-government sectors for skill development in India. Managed by a public trust, the NSDF supports NSDC's initiatives by providing financial assistance for sector-specific programs. The trust's accounts are audited by the CAG and a Chartered Accountant annually. The NSDF has released significant funds to NSDC for skill development programs, including the National Skill Certification and Monetary Reward Scheme (STAR) and UDAAN Scheme (J&K oriented).
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the MSDE is the apex organization for vocational training programs, including women's vocational training. It oversees the administration of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and implements specialized training schemes. The DGT is responsible for framing policies, expanding training facilities, organizing specialized training, and enhancing vocational guidance and employment counseling. It manages the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) through ITIs and ensures digital skilling and industry readiness.
SWAYAM is an online platform that hosts courses from Class 9 to post-graduation, accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time, free of cost. Courses are interactive and prepared by top faculty across India, available in four quadrants: video lectures, downloadable reading materials, self-assessment tests, and online discussion forums. Nine National Coordinators, including AICTE, NPTEL, UGC, and NCERT, oversee the quality of content. Learners can obtain certificates by registering for proctored exams.
The Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC) is an Inter-University Centre established by the UGC in 1991 to enhance higher education through media, particularly television and emerging ICT. CEC coordinates undergraduate MOOCs and SWAYAM Prabha DTH Channels, maintaining a large repository of digital educational content. It has developed numerous MOOCs covering various disciplines and aims to leverage media for educational excellence.
The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) was initiated by the MHRD in 2003, involving seven IITs and IISc Bangalore. NPTEL provides web and video courses in engineering, physical sciences, and management at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, aiming to deliver quality education from premier institutions to a broad audience.
The National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) Chennai, established in 1964, aims to improve the quality of engineering education in India. It offers human resource development programs, develops curricula, conducts research, and provides consultancy and extension services. NITTTR also serves as a National Coordinator for SWAYAM, focusing on technical teacher training programs.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), initially the Inter-University Board (IUB), was formed in 1925 to coordinate Indian universities' activities and protect their interests. Registered as a Society in 1967 and renamed AIU in 1973, it includes various types of universities and promotes cooperation in education, culture, sports, and allied areas. AIU actively supports the growth and development of higher education in India and includes associate members from several countries.