• AICTE launched the KARMA scheme to enhance community skills using the existing infrastructure of AICTE-approved institutions.
• Admission is open to anyone who passed the 10th class, with priority given to local learners.
• Institutes can admit up to 50% of the approved intake, with 5% of seats reserved for PwD students under the fee waiver scheme.
• Training can be fully in-person or through a blended approach under the KARMA scheme of training.
• The program will offer courses that align with the vocational trades specified in the SAMAGRA SIKSHA vocational scheme or other short-duration courses that follow the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
• The program was implemented through a self-funded approach, which required educational institutions to bear the training costs.
• Institutes may offer fee-based courses in higher-level skills and courses that are NSQF level 5 and above.

• The KARMA scheme is open to school dropouts who want to attain higher-order skills and proximity to a college or polytechnic.
• Applicants must have passed at least the 10th standard/ITIs and meet NSQF-defined criteria for the job role.
• Any 10th class and above may join, with preference given to local learners.
• Institutes can admit 50% of the approved intake of AICTE in relevant branches.
• 5% of seats are reserved for PwD students under the fee waiver scheme.
• There is no age limit for admission under the KARMA scheme.

• AICTE’s KARMA scheme is open to all AICTE-approved institutions, with a priority on those offering technical courses.
• Selected institutions must comply with scheme norms set by the government for successful implementation.
• AICTE-approved technical institutes and polytechnics can apply online through a public notice on the AICTE website.
• Proposals must be submitted in the prescribed format and evaluated based on merit by AICTE.
• The list of selected institutions and programs will be announced on the AICTE website and through registered email.

•  All AICTE-approved institutions running relevant technical courses can take part.
•  Institutions must follow the norms specified in the KARMA scheme and those decided by the government from time to time.

•  AICTE will invite online applications from AICTE-approved technical institutes and polytechnics.
• The assessment of proposals will be based on their merit.
• The AICTE will announce the list of approved institutions and programs on its website and send it through registered mail.

• This program is beneficial for individuals who live near a college or polytechnic institution, have dropped out of school after completing the 10th grade, and wish to get advanced skills.
• The eligibility criteria include passing at least the 10th standard/ITIs and fulfilling other requirements for the specific job role, as defined by the NSQF.
•  An Aadhaar card is mandatory for enrollment in the program.

• Any 10th-class pass out and above can join such programs.
•  Priority will be given to students residing within the local community.
• Educational institutions are permitted to admit 50% of the approved AICTE intake in the relevant branch.
• Each institute must reserve 5% of its seats for students with disabilities under the Fee Waiver Scheme.
• There is no age bar for admission under the KARMA scheme, and admission may be done throughout the year.

• Training can be 100% contact-based or blended.
• The theory part of the course may be delivered in digital/online mode, and the practical training will be delivered at the institute’s training center.

• Colleges and polytechnics are planning to provide programs that are divided into smaller, credit-based modules. These modules will be focused on job and entrepreneurship opportunities that are relevant to the specific group of students.
• NASSCOM is planning to upload the qualifications for courses like 3D Printing, AI & Robotics, Architectural Drafting, and Basic 3D Design onto the National Qualifications Register in the near future.

•  The KARMA scheme will be implemented in a self-financing mode.
• The institute itself will manage all the expenses related to the training.
• Approved institutions and training providers may offer fee-based training programs for popular courses that have high demand in the industry and offer above-average wages.

• Banking of credits for skill shall be permitted to enable the mobility of learners as per progressive job roles in the skill vertical and further towards higher studies.
•  The credit system for these courses will be in line with the guidelines provided by the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) and will be in coordination with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

• Each institution must have appropriate laboratory/workshop facilities to conduct face-to-face skills training and practical sessions.
• The institution can either own these facilities or arrange them through partnerships with industrial partners, social organizations that provide skills training, NCVET/AICTE-approved training providers, or any other training partner with the required infrastructure in the relevant sector.

•  The faculty members for the program will include the current institution staff as well as a group of guest/visiting/adjunct faculty, who will be sourced from either the industry or NCVET-approved training partners.

• Institutes can select technical qualifications and NOS from the National Qualification Register for STT.
• National Qualification Register link: https://www.nqr.gov.in

THE SKILL DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR THE AICTE-APPROVED KARMA SCHEME

 AICTE HAS SUGGESTED THREE DIFFERENT WAYS TO TEACH SKILLS TO STUDENTS IN INDIA.

  I.  Model 1→For students who dropped out of school after the 10th class. They can get training to learn new skills and get a job.

 II.  Model 2→ For students who are already studying at AICTE-approved technical institutions. They will be given advanced skill training during the 4th to 7th semesters to make them ready for the industry.

 III.  Model 3→Connecting school-based education with higher education. AICTE suggests starting skill-based training once a week for nearby school students in a "Hub and Spoke" Model. The training will be given by HEIs without any financial burden on the students. Institutions can contact nearby schools and bring their students to their campus for a day of skill-based training until a specified skill set is achieved.