Market Led Program (MLP) Scheme Guidelines

(Dated- July 30, 2023)

A. Eligibility Criteria
Entity applying for NSDC fee-based partnership, under the Scheme for Market Led Fee-Based
Services, shall meet with the following eligibility criteria:
Entity with more than 3 (three) years of experience in implementing skill
For Profit development programs including fee-based training programs and sustainable
Organizations growth. The entity should demonstrate sustainable financial health with Positive
Net Worth.
• Funded by / Service providers of entities like World Bank, Asian Development
Bank (ADB), Michael and Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF), United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), etc. or foundation/social ventures of Large
Corporates1 and involved in skill development training programs for minimum
Not for Profits 3 (three) years including fee-based training programs.
Organizations OR
• Entity with minimum 3 (three) years of operations and involved in skill
development training programs catering to special groups like persons with
differently abled, transgenders, entrepreneurship or any other categories as
approved by NSDC.

For Profit Start-ups that have completed 6 months and have sustainable operations with
Organizations completion of infusion of funding through equity or equity linked instruments for a
(Start-ups and sum of at least one crore. Exception may be allowed for startups involved in
Early-Stage Technology Aided Solutions2 for the skilling ecosystem including skilling or
Companies) placement services.

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Large Corporates meeting with any 2 (two) out of the 4 (four) criteria – listed on BSE / NSE or credit rating of atleast
‘BBB’ or having the annual turnover of atleast 200 crores in the last three financial years or having 1000+ employees.
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Technology aided solutions will include outcome focused digital learning or placement solutions.

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The eligible entity shall apply in the prescribed format to NSDC for evaluation. The proposal should
be for fee-based programs in the high growth sectors that are outcome oriented and should focus on
employability through placement, self-employment and life-long learning opportunities for youth.
The entity shall be required to provide additional documents, as may be required for the due
diligence process. The Final Evaluation report will be presented to the CEO, NSDC for approval.

Note: 1) Applicant shall not be allowed to operate through Franchises or Franchise model.
Please write to us at BD@nsdcindia.org for any queries.
2) At least 20% of the Courses offered shall be mandatorily aligned with the NSQF Standards
in Year 1 of NSDC Partnership. Assessment of the same shall be facilitated through NCVET
authorized Assessment Agencies.

B. Proposal Evaluation & Due Diligence Fee (For Fresh

Proposals)
A non-refundable Fee of INR 25,000/- is to be paid at the time of the application submission.

NEFT details for payment: -

Account Name: National Skill Development Corporation

Bank: State Bank of India

Bank Account no.: 30479747590; IFSC Code: SBIN0000625

Branch Address: (00625) Central Secretariat, North Block, New Delhi-110001

C. Accreditation and other services under MLP Scheme

NSDC will work with the partner to design a customized portfolio of services under MLP scheme that
may include the following:
i. Access to NSDC SIS and LMS system3

ii. Consideration of listing the approved programs on the upcoming NSDC Academy Portal.

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As soon as the System goes live by NSDC.

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iii. Access to use NSDC Logo (approved on a case-to-case basis).

iv. Strategic support for creation of Centre of Excellence / Future Skills.

v. Facilitation of affordable skill loans in partnership with NSDC-empaneled Non-Banking Financial

Companies (NBFC's) / Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).

vi. Facilitation of access to PAN India Network of NSDC accredited Partner Training Institutes
including schools and colleges.

vii. Facilitation of international market opportunities through NSDC International Limited (a 100%
Subsidiary of NSDC).
viii. Joint marketing and promotion of programs / batches / events through digital / electronic
media ecosystem.
ix. Industry partnerships for apprenticeships/ employment
x. Facilitation for designing skill-based work integrated diploma/ degree Programs in Partnership
with Skill Universities.
xi. Consultation services to facilitate NSQF alignment of the courses as per the National credit
framework under New Education Policy 2020.
xii. System generated and QR-coded certificate for the approved Programs to be issued from the
Skill India Portal (SIP).
xiii. Customized support –
• Advisory Services - Support with respect to skill-gap studies, State level heat-maps for
geographical expansion, M&A guidance, etc.
• Mobilization Support - To be provided through PAN India Academia/Training Partner Network.
• Placement Linkages - To be provided through Placement Partners of NSDC and other channels.
• Curating new Placement Linked Programs- Facilitated for Academic Institutions.
• Other support as may be mutually agreed upon.

Top rated Partners are recommended for the events hosted by Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and other Government bodies.

D. Fees for rendering services under the MLP scheme:

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1. For Profit Organizations* (includes Start-Ups) - Fixed Annual Partnership Fee of INR
1,50,000/ year and a variable fee of up to 8% or INR 250 per candidate whichever is higher of
the “course fee” for each candidate enrolled and reported on the SIP.

For the programs listed on NSDC Academy Portal, a Cost Contribution of up to 20% of the Course Fee
shall be applicable, only for every successful candidate converted through the said portal.

2. Not-for-profit Organizations – Fixed Annual Partnership Fee of INR 1,50,000/ year and a variable
fee as per the table below -
S. No. No. of Candidates Trained Fee/ Candidate
1. 10,000 or more / Year INR 100
2. 3000- 10,000 / Year INR 150
3. Less than 3000/ Year INR 200

E. Partnership Renewal Fee

i. A non-refundable renewal Fee of INR 10,000/- is to be paid for the renewal of the Partnership by
existing partners post completion of the 3 Year tenure.
ii. Renewal application should be submitted in the prescribed format.

F. Non-Funded Partnership Agreement

For every approved proposal, the partner shall be required to sign a legally binding contract with
NSDC for a period of 3 years. The Renewal will be subject to evaluation of performance and other
guideline criteria as listed above.

For Proposal Submission or Queries, please write to us at bd@nsdcindia.org.

G. Please refer:
i. Annexure 1 for “Guidelines for Compliance with NSDC Standards for Physical Training
Centers”.

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 ii. Annexure 2 for “Guidelines for Compliance with NSDC Standards for Virtual/ Online
Training Centers”.
iii. Annexure 3 for “Procedure for Approval of Training Center on Skill India Digital.
iv. Annexure 4 for Reporting and Compliance.

Disclaimer
All the information contained in these guidelines are in good interest and faith. Applicants should make their own
independent investigation in relation to any additional information that may be required. NSDC without liability or any
obligation, reserves the right to amend, delete or add any information mentioned in this document at any stage which shall
be binding on all the stakeholders.

Annexure 1

Guidelines for Compliance with NSDC Standards for Physical Training

Centers
• Infrastructure Requirements
o The training center should have a minimum of 1,500 sq. ft or more as carpet area for
center running maximum of two courses with lab requirement and minimum of 1,000
sq. ft carpet area for centers running two courses without lab requirement. The TC
will have to prove the availability of space for new courses or sector additions.
o There should be a dedicated classroom with a closed-door facility, a dedicated lab,
reception and one separate counselling room for the candidates.
o Well-ventilated and properly lit classrooms and training areas should be present.
o Availability of basic amenities like electricity, clean drinking water, and sanitation
facilities.
o Adequate seating arrangements and facilities for learners and trainers
o The above is not applicable in case the mode of delivery is completely online / digital.
o Any deviation of the above guideline shall be through written approval from NSDC.
• Training Equipment and Tools
o Availability of industry-standard equipment and tools necessary for training
o Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment to ensure their proper
functioning.
o Students should have access to relevant software, technologies, and learning
materials.
o Such equipment and tools in dedicated labs should not be used for any other activity
(commercial or otherwise)
• Trainers and Staff
o Qualified trainers with appropriate industry experience and subject matter expertise.
o There should be a maximum candidate batch of 40 persons against one trainer.
o Regular training and upskilling of trainers to stay updated with industry trends.
• Learner Facilities
o Comfortable seating arrangements for learners during theory and practical sessions
o Provision of necessary learning resources such as textbooks, reference materials, and
online resources.

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 o Adequate safety measures to ensure the physical well-being of learners.
• Compliance and Safety
o Regular inspections and maintenance of the training center to ensure a safe
environment.
o Compliance with fire safety norms, including the availability of fire extinguishers and
emergency exit routes in case multistory buildings.
o Implementation of appropriate security measures, including IP CCTV cameras and
visitor management systems.
• Valid Address Proof for TC: When applying for approval on the Skill India Portal, it is
mandatory to provide valid address proof for the training center. Acceptable forms of address
proof include the most recent electricity bill, internet broadband bill, or a rent agreement.
• Rented Training Center: If the training center is rented, it is mandatory to provide the rent
agreement along with KYC proof of the owner.
• Geotagged Images of Training Center: As part of the approval process, it is compulsory to
submit geotagged photographs that showcase the interior and exterior of the training center.
These photographs can be conveniently uploaded through the SID Mobile application.
• CCTV Cameras and IP Address Sharing: To ensure a secure environment, it is mandatory
to install IP CCTV cameras with minimum recording storage of 60 days at the physical
training center. These cameras should be strategically positioned to cover important areas
such as classrooms, labs, and the reception area. Additionally, it is mandatory to share the IP
addresses of these IP CCTV cameras with NSDC for effective monitoring. Wherever there is
limitation in implementation due to government guidelines, deviation can be approved only
by CEO, NSDC. Non-compliance with this guideline will attract monetary penalty as referred
to in Penal Table.
• Implementation of Branding: The training center must adhere to the branding guidelines
as prescribed by the NSDC. Without proper branding, the training center will not be approved
on Skill India Digital. There should be permanent branding (temporary flex branding is not
allowed in any case) of the TP legal name/brand name at the outer facade, reception, and
counselling room of training center. Any recorded instance of improper/absence of branding
with respect to TP legal name/brand name will entail a monetary penalty as referred to in
Penal Table. The use of NSDC logo in the branding should conform to corporate guidelines
issued separately by the NSDC.
TP can use (NSDC AFFILIATED PARTNER) phrase for its marketing purpose.
• Dedicated Placement Cell: A dedicated Placement Cell is essential at a training center to
ensure effective employment opportunities for students or trainees.
• Documentation: All physical and digital documents of candidates and trainers should be
available during monitoring visits. All the physical/ digital documents related to candidate/
trainers should be present within TC premises and must be available all the time during the
working hours for surprise check by NSDC. Failure to provide these documents during
monitoring/surprise check will be considered as a serious non-compliance of partnership
guidelines and may result in suspension or termination of partnership.
• Data reporting: All the requisite data with respect to the students/ training program/
trainers should be regularly and promptly reported through the portal provided by the NSDC.
There should not be candidates pending for assessment for more than 30 days. Any instance
of false reporting found during the monitoring/ surprise check can attract monetary, non –
monetary or both penal action from NSDC.
• Attendance for Candidates and Trainers: It is mandatory to install a Biometric attendance
machine to capture candidate & trainer attendance. Access to these biometric records should

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 be made available as and when asked by the NSDC. Any deviation of this guideline shall be
through written approval from NSDC.
• Operating Hours and Days of the Training Center: It is a mandatory to visibly display the
working hours and days of the training center, along with the NSDC Training Partner/Center
Skill India Digital ID, outside the premises. This information can be presented in a visually
appealing design.
• Candidate course fee- Training Partner should collect the course fee, assessment fee,
certification fee, and any other related fees from candidates through banking channels such
as NEFT, online payments, cheques, Paytm, etc. The purpose of collecting fees through these
channels is to maintain transparency throughout the process. For monitoring requirements,
reconciliation, bank statements to be shared with NSDC. Any deviation of this guideline shall
be through written approval from NSDC.

• Billing: All the billing (revenue share/ facilitation fees/ enabling service fees) towards the
NSDC with respect to all enrolled candidates should be cleared by Training Partner on or
before 10th of every subsequent month. Applicant shall share annual financial statements and
quarterly bank statements, CA certificate etc. for reconciliation and billing.
• End Responsibility - TP will be responsible for any kind of non-compliance or training
quality issues at any of its training center. And necessary action will be taken against the TP
in addition to that Training center.
• One Time Fees: For addition of centers post onboarding, each center approval will cost one-
time fees of INR 25,000/-. Any center relocated from one place to another will be considered
as a new center.
• Modifications in terms & conditions: Any modification request in terms & conditions other
than sector addition and course addition shall require written approval from NSDC and will
entail processing fees of INR 10,000 per instance.
• At least 20% of the Courses offered shall be mandatorily aligned with the NSQF Standards in
Year 1 of NSDC Partnership. Assessment of the same shall be facilitated through NCVET
authorized Assessment Agencies.

Penal Table:
Penalty type Remarks Penal
Amount
CCTV Any verified instance of non-functional CCTV for more than INR 25,000 /-
05 days. per instance
The minimum difference between two instances cannot be
less than 10 working days.
Branding Any recorded instance of absence of TP legal name / Presence INR 50,000 /-
of brand name other than those mentioned in NSDC records/ per instance
presence of temporary flex instead of permanent boards on
outer façade or inside TC premises/ un-authorized use of
NSDC logo.
The minimum difference between the two instances cannot
be less than 07 working days.

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TP can appeal against penal action within 03 working days from the date of receiving information
through email.

Annexure 2

Guidelines for Compliance with NSDC Standards for Virtual/Online

Training Centers

• Learning Management System – For the virtual training center, it is mandatory for all the
training partners to provide virtual/online training through the Learning Management
System (LMS). LMS is essential in virtual training as it provides a comprehensive platform for
content management, learner tracking, collaboration, personalization, and administrative
efficiency. It helps create an effective and engaging learning environment, empowering
organizations to deliver high-quality training programs to a geographically diverse audience.

• Application details - It is mandatory to share the application details, and one test user ID
and password having viewing rights to whole application data with NSDC. This will allow us
to assess the virtual training sessions and ensure compliance with the required standards.
Sharing these details will also aid in evaluating the effectiveness of the training programs and
guaranteeing the quality of online training.

• Candidate course fee- Candidates are required to make payments for course fees,
assessment fees, certification fees, and any other related fees only through various modes
such as NEFT, online payments, cheques, Paytm, etc. This measure is implemented to ensure
transparency in the payment process. Candidates may be asked to provide bank statements
to NSDC officials upon request for monitoring purposes.

• Virtual Training Center for SID – There will be a single virtual/online training center
established specifically for the purpose of candidate data upload on Skill India Digital. This
center will have its headquarters or regional office address, and all learner information from
across India will be exclusively reported to this virtual training center on Skill India Digital.
To obtain approval for the virtual training center on Skill India Digital, it is mandatory to

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 provide address proof for the headquarters or regional office, such as recent electricity bills,
internet bills, or a valid rent agreement.

• At least 20% of the Courses offered shall be mandatorily aligned with the NSQF
Standards in Year 1 of NSDC Partnership. Assessment of the same shall be facilitated
through NCVET authorized Assessment Agencies.

Annexure 3

Procedure for Approval of Training Center on Skill India Digital

• To commence training in approved sectors and courses, Training Partners (TPs) must add
and obtain approval for their Training Centers on the Skill India Portal (SIP). TPs should use
their login credentials to create Centers and provide relevant information.

• When creating a training center, the TP must provide the following details:
o Name and contact details of the Center In charge and Second in charge (in the absence
of center in charge)
o Address of the training center
o Type of training center: Physical /Virtual
o Geo-tagged photographs of the training center infrastructure (applicable only for
Physical training center)

• Once the Training Partner has provided complete and accurate information about the
training center, a Center ID is generated by Skill India Digital.

• TPs are required to install the Training Center Verification mobile application and use it to
capture images of the training center's infrastructure (applicable only for Physical training
center)

After completing the above tasks, the Training partner is required to share the Center ID
with the Operations team for approval. Once the training center is approved, the Operations
team will communicate the approval to the Training Partner via email.

Annexure 4
Reporting and Appeal Mechanism:
Training partners/centers will have the right to appeal against the consequences imposed due to
deviations. They can provide additional evidence or justification to support their case. Appeals will
be reviewed by a designated authority, and decisions will be communicated in a timely manner.
Periodic Compliance Reviews:

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To ensure ongoing compliance with the prescribed guidelines, periodic compliance reviews will be
conducted for approved training centers. This will help identify any deviations that may have
occurred over time and take appropriate action to rectify them.
NOTE – Above guidelines are only for Self- run training center and can be updated at any time by the
NSDC. For any query, you may write at BD@nsdcindia.org .
Any deviation in the above guidelines should be specifically approved in written by NSDC.

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