National University Students' Skill Development (NUSSD) Programme is a unique initiative on skill development designed and undertaken by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to enable graduating youths from underprivileged backgrounds to acquire employment-oriented skills while pursuing their graduation from regional colleges.

It is a pan-India programme initiated in August 2013 on a pilot basis and implemented in 34 colleges of 11 universities from 9 Indian states. The United Nations (UN) Steering Committee on Children and Youth has recognized the NUSSD programme among the 'best skill development practices' in the country.

Key curriculum domains include English Communication, Legal Literacy, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, Youth Leadership, People Skills, and domain-specific diploma specializations.

Programme Objectives

To increase employability of graduating youths by imparting industry-grade knowledge, skills, and competencies, fostering critical thinking, and instilling strong civic responsibility.

• Hands-on training in contemporary employability skills.
• Curricula developed by premier bodies like TIFR, BSE, TISS, NLU, and Symbiosis.
• Domain-specific internships with reputed industrial organizations.
• Recognized certificates & diplomas awarded directly by TISS.

Core Highlights

NUSSD blends classroom instruction, laboratory practices, and active community field work over a 3-year progressive framework.

• Parallel certification alongside regular degree studies.
• Experiential community engagement projects.
• Corporate mentor sessions & interview prep clinics.
• Nationwide recognition by government departments and corporate recruiters.