With reference to 'National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)', which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. 2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Statement 2 is correct and statement 1 is not, so the answer is B. NSQF, notified by the Government of India in 2013 and run through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is a common framework of ten levels that places school, vocational and higher education on one ladder. One of its stated outcomes is mobility: a learner can move from a vocational course into general education and back.

Statement 1 is wrong because NSQF explicitly recognises learning acquired through formal, non-formal and informal routes. Prior learning from work experience or self-learning can be assessed and certified through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and the certificate is awarded on demonstrated competency, not on the mode of learning.

• Option A fails because statement 1 is incorrect.
• Option C fails for the same reason.
• Option D fails because statement 2 describes a genuine NSQF outcome.

Core concept: outcome-based qualification levels, with competency rather than duration or route as the basis of certification. For Mains (GS-III, skilling and employability), this links to the informal workforce and why RPL matters for India's demographic dividend.

Trap: assuming a government skilling certificate must come from a classroom course. The question tests whether you know NSQF is route-neutral.