Google, IBM certifications on Coursera now aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework

Online learning platform Coursera in collaboration with Nasscom announced that ten Professional Certificates from Google and IBM are now aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This initiative enables universities and employers to provide credit recognition to industry content, creating more pathways for learners to pursue skills-based career opportunities in India.

Aligning Google and IBM Professional Certificates with NSQF further promotes a shift from traditional education to competency-based learning. Higher education institutions and students can now transfer credits for eligible Professional Certificates on Coursera, fostering job-ready, digitally skilled graduates. Coursera’s Learner Outcome Report 2023 highlights the impact of these programs, with 21% of Indian learners securing new jobs and 32% seeing salary increases after completing entry-level Professional Certificates.

Kirti Seth, CEO of IT-ITeS Sector Skill Council Nasscom said, "This collaboration with Coursera to align Google and IBM Professional Certificates with the NSQF framework is a demonstration of the flexibility and relevance that the national credit framework under the NEP brings. When companies like Google, IBM, and Coursera come on board, it signals how good policy leads to powerful outcomes. Learners will have access to industry-relevant courses in cutting-edge technologies and can make their credits count towards their degrees."

Coursera recently introduced new genAI-powered features aimed at scaling assessment creation and grading, reinforcing academic integrity, and improving learning and evaluation processes. These advancements are aimed at enhancing the credibility and recognition of online learning, facilitating their acceptance by universities and employers for academic credit and professional qualifications.

The recently announced Union Budget outlined skill development and training as a major focus area. It aims at creating employment opportunities for 4.1 crore people over the next five years. The outlay has been pegged at ₹2 lakh crore.