New Delhi: The government has tightened the selection criteria for centres of excellence for skilling and vocational training, prioritising permanent, industry-aligned institutions over temporary, scheme-driven training centres.The move is aimed at creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, higher education, reskilling and international certifications of the candidates."This will move the skilling ecosystem from an input-based compliance model to a quality-driven, industry-led and outcomes-focused framework that emphasises learner progression and measurable employment outcomes," said a senior government official, who did not wish to be identified.The new selection criteria came into effect from July 15 and replaced the existing model, which focused largely on scheme-specific training centres and short-term infrastructure compliance.These centres have been mandated to provide counselling, mentorship and career-coaching support, and offer reskilling and upskilling pathways for lifelong learning for the candidates.Besides, they are expected to track post-training outcomes and undertake internal monitoring, stakeholder-feedback analysis and periodic performance review for continuous quality improvement.