Maharashtra Extends Deadline For NSQF-Aligned Vocational Courses To 2027

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for institutions running +2 level bifocal vocational courses to implement the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned curriculum. As per a government resolution (GR) issued by the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation on Friday, the implementation timeline has now been extended to the academic years 2025–26 and 2026–27.

The original plan had mandated that institutions start offering the NSQF-aligned vocational courses from 2024–25. However, citing administrative considerations and the need for additional preparation time, the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation issued a revised directive allowing more time for the transition.

“Institutions/colleges in the state currently running +2 level bifocal vocational courses are hereby granted an extension for implementing NSQF-aligned new vocational courses until academic years 2025–26 and 2026–27,” the GR states.

The bifocal vocational scheme, introduced in 1978–79 based on the 1964 Kothari Commission’s recommendations, aims to provide skill-based training to students in key sectors such as technical, commerce, agriculture, and fishery. “Currently, 16 bifocal vocational courses are being implemented in these sectors,” the resolution notes.

The government had previously approved 13 such courses under NSQF alignment in June 2023 and had authorised their implementation from 2024–25. A subsequent resolution fast-tracked the process, but institutions requested an extension, which has now been granted.

As per the GR, institutions “shall start implementing the NSQF-aligned new vocational courses mentioned in Government Resolution No. 1 from academic year 2027–28 onwards”. It also clarifies that provisions in prior resolutions issued in November 2023 and March 2024 “shall be applicable from academic year 2027–28”.

Institutions that have applied online to start new or additional self-financed batches will be processed separately. “Once approval orders are issued, such institutions may begin offering NSQF-compliant courses from academic year 2025–26, in accordance with the provisions in Government Resolutions mentioned in Sr. Nos. 1 and 2,” it adds.