National Finishing School
Career Pathway for High School Students
A joint initiative between the Ministry of Education (at both Central and State levels) and the Wadhwani Foundation.
Explore skills that make you employable, confident, and future-ready— at zero cost
Wadhwani Foundation
National Finishing School
Career Pathway for High School Students
Step into the real world with skills to make you confident and future-ready—at zero cost.
What is the National Finishing School?
The Wadhwani National Finishing School (NFS) helps high school students become truly career-ready, so you can step into life after school with confidence and direction. Whether you plan to go to college or start a micro-business, NFS helps you consider your career goals and get the skills you need to succeed.
Through hands-on learning and interactive sessions, you will become:
- Career-aware – Empowered to make informed career choices
- Employability-ready – Equipped with life skills, soft skills, employability, and AI skills.
- Placement-ready – Confident to navigate recruitment processes and workplace expectations using Wadhwani Foundation’s GenieAI Platform and agents.
- Certified-ready – Awarded Wadhwani Foundation Certificate, validating their preparedness by Wadhwani Foundation.
Turn classroom knowledge into real-world success—and it’s completely free
Career Readiness Pathway
Career Orientation and Pathway Selection
Students gain sector-agnostic employability skills
Employability, Life, and Soft Skills (Wadhwani Job Ready)
Equipped with life skills, soft skills, employability, and AI skills.
Job Readiness Tools (AI-enabled)
Micro-Entrepreneurship
Students are prepared for self-employment and enterprise creation, aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Convocation and Certification
Awarded Wadhwani Foundation Certificate, validating their preparedness by Wadhwani Foundation.
What You’ll Learn?
Employability Skills
(75 hours)
- Evaluate possible careers based on your individual profile and educational plans
- Learn the important skills freshers need to succeed in the workplace
- Practice introducing yourself and answering interview questions
- Get access to local jobs
Business Skills
(25 hours)
- Learn the important skills that you need to start your own micro-business
- Develop an actual business plan for your business
- Understand the practical steps for getting started
What Makes NFS Different?
NFS is not a typical program. Here, you learn by doing:
- Interactive sessions—activities, not lectures
- Collaborate with teammates, just like in real jobs
- Masterclasses led by industry experts
- Career support—help desk, mentors, and community forums at your fingertips
Develop your business skills by building an actual business plan for your business, based on real opportunities in your community
What Do You Earn?
Certificates that count. Skills that stay.
At the end of your journey, you’ll earn:
- A Wadhwani Certificate in Employability Skills
- A Wadhwani Certificate in Business Skills
But more than certificates, you’ll have real outcomes:
- Access to unlimited 24×7 AI Interview Prep and Pitch trainers
- Peer and mentor recommendations you can share with employers
What Support Do You Get?
Human Services
- Expert Masterclasses
- Career Buddies
- Community Forums
- Help Desk
AI Services
- 24x7 Placement Coach
- Conversational AI Tutor
- Customized Lessons
- Multiple Language Options
FAQ
How long does it take?
About 3 months, self-paced, 4–5 hours per week.
Is it really free?
Yes, fully funded by the Wadhwani Foundation.
Do I need to travel?
No. Everything is online, with engaging, real-time workplace activities.
What happens after I finish?
You’ll get certificates, career guidance, and opportunities to apply for jobs or launch your own micro-business.