UPSC Prelims 2017 Q63: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’:
1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training,
Government of India.
2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment
opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
National Career Service (NCS)
Launched in July 2015.
It turned the old employment exchanges into an online career platform.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training | Incorrect | It is run by the Ministry of Labour and Employment |
| 2. It has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country | Incorrect | It is a Mission Mode Project, but it serves all job seekers, not just uneducated youth |
What NCS offers:
| Service | Detail |
|---|---|
| Job matching | Links job seekers and employers on one portal |
| Career counselling | Through Model Career Centres |
| Skill information | Courses, apprenticeships and internships |
| Users | Job seekers, employers, trainers and counsellors |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. NCS belongs to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, not Personnel and Training.
- (b) Incorrect. NCS is for all job seekers, not specifically for uneducated youth.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false: wrong department and wrong target group.
- (d) CORRECT. NCS is a Labour Ministry project that serves every job seeker.
Key point
National Career Service (2015): Mission Mode Project of the Ministry of Labour and Employment; online job matching and career counselling for all job seekers.
Remember
National Career Service = Labour Ministry, all job seekers.
Common mistakes
- Linking 'career service' to the Department of Personnel and Training, which handles government staff.
- Accepting statement 2 because 'Mission Mode' is right; the target group is wrong.
- Confusing NCS with skill schemes such as PMKVY.
Exam tip
Employment exchanges = Ministry of Labour and Employment. NCS is their online form.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment — National Career Service: Mission Mode Project (launched 20 July 2015)
- Press Information Bureau — Prime Minister launches the National Career Service (20 July 2015)