The Gujarat Government has approved a proposal allowing the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) to obtain the status of an Awarding Body (AB) from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). The move is expected to give a major boost to vocational education in the state by enabling the board to award nationally recognised skill-based certifications.
NCVET is the apex regulatory body established by the Central Government to oversee and improve the quality of vocational education and skill development across the country. Once recognised as an Awarding Body, GSHSEB will be authorised to independently design vocational training programmes, conduct assessments and issue certificates in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The recognition is expected to benefit students in multiple ways. Certificates awarded by the Gujarat board will have nationwide validity, improving employment prospects across different sectors. The certifications will also support students pursuing higher education by facilitating admissions and academic progression in skill-based programmes.
Officials said the initiative will significantly enhance the quality of vocational education in Gujarat by encouraging practical, industry-oriented learning instead of conventional rote-based education. It is expected to equip students with job-ready skills, make them more self-reliant and improve their employability in line with the changing demands of the labour market.
The decision is being viewed as a significant step towards integrating education with skill development and employment, while helping create a future-ready workforce for the state.