General Studies 2021 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Comment

Q7

'Earn while you learn' scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful." Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

"व्यावसायिक शिक्षा और कौशल प्रशिक्षण को सार्थक बनाने के लिए 'सीखते हुए कमाना (अर्न व्हाइल यू लर्न)' की योजना को सशक्त करने की आवश्यकता है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Comment

This question asks you to comment. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'comment' requires a balanced, opinionated analysis rather than mere description. Structure: Brief introduction defining the scheme → Critical assessment of current gaps (apprenticeship quality, stipend adequacy, industry linkage) → Suggested strengthening measures → Forward-looking conclusion.

Key points expected

Definition of 'Earn While You Learn' as apprenticeship-based vocational training under Skill India/NAPS framework
Critical gaps: low stipend rates (often below minimum wage), poor industry-academia coordination, weak monitoring of training quality
Demand-side issues: social stigma attached to vocational tracks, inadequate career progression pathways
Strengthening measures: mandatory stipend revision linked to inflation, dual certification (academic + skill), apprenticeship portals for transparency
Success reference: German dual VET model or NSDC's PMKVY apprenticeship outcomes data

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Recognizes 'comment' demands evaluative stance with both critique and constructive suggestions; avoids pure description or uncritical praise	Partially addresses directive with some opinion but drifts into description; lacks clear evaluative thread	Misreads directive as 'describe' or 'explain'; provides only factual narration without critical engagement
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers scheme specifics (NAPS 2016, stipend sharing 25:75), identifies systemic flaws (dropout rates, informal sector absorption), and proposes actionable reforms	Mentions scheme broadly with generic problems (low stipend, poor quality) but lacks specificity on implementation mechanics	Confuses with unrelated schemes (PMKVY standalone) or makes factual errors on apprenticeship structure; superficial treatment
Structure & flow	20%	2	Compact 150-word architecture: crisp intro → problem-solution pairing → integrated conclusion; logical transitions without redundancy	Basic three-part structure present but uneven weightage; some repetition or abrupt shifts between points	Disorganized or fragmented; missing clear progression; conclusion absent or merely restates introduction
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Deploys precise data (e.g., 5 lakh apprenticeship targets vs. actuals, ₹8,000-15,000 stipend range) or compares with Germany's 50% youth in dual VET	Vague reference to 'developed countries' or generic mention of ITI success without specifics	No examples or data; or irrelevant examples (confusing with MGNREGA or student credit cards)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesizes into forward-looking insight: links strengthened apprenticeships to demographic dividend realization and Atmanirbhar Bharat manufacturing goals	Routine summary of points or generic call for 'government action' without thematic integration	Missing conclusion or abrupt ending; purely descriptive closing without analytical closure

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