Building Capabilities of Informal Workers by Recognition of Prior Learning The Current Practice and Alternatives

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a key pillar of India’s Skill India mission under the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (NPSDE) 2015, aimed at formalising the skills of its vast informal workforce, which accounts for over 91% of total employment. By bridging the gap between experiential learning and formal certification, RPL has the potential to enhance employability, economic mobility, and workforce productivity.

However, India's RPL implementation faces significant challenges, including regulatory misalignment, limited industry adoption, and low stakeholder awareness, along with logistical barriers such as evidence verification and assessment costs. Primarily certification-driven, it lacks integration into the vocational training system, limiting its effectiveness as a pathway for skill advancement and higher income. Moreover, RPL is often used as a shortcut to boost certification numbers rather than as a tool for meaningful skill development.

This paper examines the evolution, implementation, and impact of RPL in India using national labour force survey data while benchmarking it against global best practices from countries such as South Africa and the UK. The study identifies key policy gaps and proposes strategic recommendations to strengthen RPL, ensuring it transitions from a certification-centric model to a robust mechanism for workforce inclusion, quality vocational education, and sustainable skill development.