The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is a competency-based framework that organizes qualifications according to a series of knowledge, skills and aptitude. The NSQF levels, graded from one to ten, are defined in terms of learning outcomes which the learner must possess regardless of whether they are obtained through formal, non-formal or informal learning. National Occupational Standards (NOS) are statements of the skills, knowledge and understanding needed for effective performance in a job role and are expressed as outcomes of competent performance. They list down what an individual performing that task should know and also are able to do. These standards can form the benchmarks for various education and training programs to match with the job requirements. Just as each job role may require the performance of a number of tasks, the combination of NOSs corresponding to these tasks form the Qualification Pack (QP) for that job role. The NOSs and QPs for each job role corresponding to each level of the NSQF are being formulated by the respective Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) set up by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with industry leadership. The curriculum which is based on NOSs and QPs would thus automatically comply with NSQF.

The specific outcomes expected from implementation of NSQF are as follows:

• 1) Mobility between vocational and general education by alignment of degrees with NSQF.
• 2) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing transition from non-formal to organized job market.
• 3) Standardized, consistent, nationally acceptable outcomes of training across the country through a national quality assurance framework.
• 4) Global mobility of skilled workforce from India, through international equivalence of NSQF.
• 5) Mapping of progression pathways within sectors and cross-sectorally.
• 6) Approval of NOS/QPs as national standards for skill training.