India, Aug. 11 -- A young professional at the start of her career today is still far more likely to enroll in a conventional four-year degree after Class 12 than to piece together a year of college credits, an apprenticeship, and a short-term certification into an equally valid qualification. Yet this is precisely the alternative India's education reforms now make possible: A path where academic and vocational credits accumulate over time, certifications stack onto one another, and a portfolio of verified skills can carry as much weight as a single degree.

Over the past five years, India has laid the foundation for a lifelong learning ecosystem. The National Education Policy (NEP) promotes flexible learning pathways. The National Credit ...