Qualification Pack

Software Developer Associate

QP Code: SSC/Q0511

Version: 1.0

NSQF Level: 3

IT-ITeS Sector Skill Council || NASSCOM Plot No - 7, 8, 9 & 10, 3rd Floor, Sector 126
Noida Uttar Pradesh - 201303

NSQC Approved || IT-ITeS Sector Skill Council 1

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Contents
SSC/Q0511: Software Developer Associate .......................................................................................... 3
Brief Job Description ...................................................................................................................... 3
Applicable National Occupational Standards (NOS) ............................................................................. 3
Compulsory NOS ........................................................................................................................... 3
Qualification Pack (QP) Parameters .............................................................................................. 3
SSC/N0502: Develop software code to specification ............................................................................ 5
DGT/VSQ/N0102: Employability Skills (60 Hours) ................................................................................. 9
Assessment Guidelines and Weightage ............................................................................................. 16
Assessment Guidelines ............................................................................................................... 16
Assessment Weightage ............................................................................................................... 17
Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Glossary ............................................................................................................................................. 19

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SSC/Q0511: Software Developer Associate

Brief Job Description

Individuals at this job are responsible for development of software applications and interfaces as well as
enhancements to existing packaged applications or pre-engineered templates. The job also involves
providing support to custom applications, debugging, maintenance and documentation.

Personal Attributes

This job requires the individual to work independently and be comfortable in making decisions pertaining
to his/her area of work. The individual should be result oriented. The individual should also be able to
demonstrate skills for communication and logical thinking.

Applicable National Occupational Standards (NOS)

Compulsory NOS:

1. SSC/N0502: Develop software code to specification

2. DGT/VSQ/N0102: Employability Skills (60 Hours)

Qualification Pack (QP) Parameters

Sector IT-ITeS

Sub-Sector IT Services

Occupation Application Deployment

Country India

NSQF Level 3

Credits 7

Aligned to NCO/ISCO/ISIC Code NCO-2015/ 2512.0204

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12th grade Pass with NA of experience Basic

understanding of computer operation
OR
10th grade pass with 2 Years of experience Basic
Minimum Educational Qualification &
understanding of computer operation
Experience
OR
Previous relevant Qualification of NSQF Level (Level 2)
with 3 Years of experience Basic understanding of
computer operation

Minimum Level of Education for

10th Class
Training in School

Pre-Requisite License or Training

Minimum Job Entry Age 15 Years

Last Reviewed On NA

Next Review Date 19/07/2023

NSQC Approval Date 20/01/2023

Version 1.0

Reference code on NQR QG-03-IT-00078-2023-V1-NASSCOM

NQR Version 1

NSQC Approved || IT-ITeS Sector Skill Council 4

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SSC/N0502: Develop software code to specification

Description

This unit is about developing simple code to meet the requirements of software products and applications
where their business impact and technical complexity is low.

Scope

The scope covers the following :

Requirements to prepare High Level Design (HLD)

Checklists for coding standards of programming structure

Elements and Performance Criteria

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC1. understand Business Requirements Specification (BRS), Software Requirements Specification
(SRS), High Level Design (HLD) and Low Level Design (LLD)
PC2. access reusable components, code generation tools and unit testing tools from the
organization’s knowledge base
PC3. convert technical specifications into code to meet the requirements, leveraging reusable
components, where available
PC4. create appropriate unit test cases (UTCs)
PC5. review codes and UTCs with supervisors
PC6. execute UTCs and document results
PC7. rework the code and UTCs to fix identified defects
PC8. analyze inputs from line managers and implement the same for future designs
PC9. record corrective actions for identified defects to inform future designs
PC10. submit tested code for approval to experts
PC11. update organization’s knowledge base with the experiences of the code developed
PC12. comply with organizational policies, procedures and guidelines when developing software
code to specification

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1. the scope of work to be executed and the importance of keeping within the level of own
competency and authority
KU2. the importance of collating feedback on coding and UTCs
KU3. how to analyze and use feedback to improve coding and UTCs
KU4. whom to be involved to provide feedback on the coding and UTCs
KU5. organization's approval process for software code designs

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KU6. the process for converting technical specifications into code

KU7. current practice in the infrastructure design of software code
KU8. how to write software code that is efficient, readable and maintainable
KU9. how to use the range of code generation tools and unit testing tools for developing software
code
KU10. how to create, review and execute UTCs
KU11. how to determine whether components are suitable for re-use
KU12. different types of problems and defects that may occur during coding and their solution
KU13. how recording corrective actions for problems and defects can improve future designs
KU14. how to test and debug new software code
KU15. different sources of information for help to write software code

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1. complete works writing the details accurately

GS2. follow instructions, guidelines, procedures, rules and service level agreements
GS3. seek clarification and advice from appropriate people such as line manager or supervisor
GS4. practice active listening and verbally communicate information
GS5. follow the process of rule-based decision-making
GS6. check if decisions need to be referred to, or ratified by, line managers
GS7. allocate tasks wisely to meet targets and deadlines
GS8. work efficiently with colleagues in a customer-centric environment to cater to customer
requirements
GS9. analyze data and refer anomalies to provide accurate reports to the supervisor
GS10. apply competency skills to solve problems in different situations
GS11. pass relevant information and constructive opinions to colleagues post data configuration
applying balanced judgments to various situations
GS12. follow quality assurance standards and produce error-free works
GS13. work independently and collaboratively
GS14. use information technology to browse the internet

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Assessment Criteria

Theory Practical Project Viva

Assessment Criteria for Outcomes
Marks Marks Marks Marks

20 80 - -

PC1. understand Business Requirements

Specification (BRS), Software Requirements
5 - - -
Specification (SRS), High Level Design (HLD)
and Low Level Design (LLD)

PC2. access reusable components, code

generation tools and unit testing tools from the - 10 - -
organization’s knowledge base

PC3. convert technical specifications into code

to meet the requirements, leveraging reusable - 10 - -
components, where available

PC4. create appropriate unit test cases (UTCs) - 10 - -

PC5. review codes and UTCs with supervisors 5 - - -

PC6. execute UTCs and document results - 10 - -

PC7. rework the code and UTCs to fix identified

- 10 - -
defects

PC8. analyze inputs from line managers and

5 - - -
implement the same for future designs

PC9. record corrective actions for identified

- 10 - -
defects to inform future designs

PC10. submit tested code for approval to

5 - - -
experts

PC11. update organization’s knowledge base

- 10 - -
with the experiences of the code developed

PC12. comply with organizational policies,

procedures and guidelines when developing - 10 - -
software code to specification

NOS Total 20 80 - -

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National Occupational Standards (NOS) Parameters

NOS Code SSC/N0502

NOS Name Develop software code to specification

Sector IT-ITeS

Sub-Sector IT Services

Application Development, Software Development, Product Development

Occupation
& Delivery

NSQF Level 5

Credits 8

Version 2.0

Last Reviewed Date 27/01/2022

Next Review Date 19/07/2023

NSQC Clearance Date 20/01/2023

NSQC Approved || IT-ITeS Sector Skill Council 8

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DGT/VSQ/N0102: Employability Skills (60 Hours)

Description

This unit is about employability skills, Constitutional values, becoming a professional in the 21st Century,
digital, financial, and legal literacy, diversity and Inclusion, English and communication skills, customer
service, entrepreneurship, and apprenticeship, getting ready for jobs and career development.

Scope

The scope covers the following :

Introduction to Employability Skills

Constitutional values - Citizenship
Becoming a Professional in the 21st Century
Basic English Skills
Career Development & Goal Setting
Communication Skills
Diversity & Inclusion
Financial and Legal Literacy
Essential Digital Skills
Entrepreneurship
Customer Service
Getting ready for Apprenticeship & Jobs

Elements and Performance Criteria

Introduction to Employability Skills

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. identify employability skills required for jobs in various industries
PC2. identify and explore learning and employability portals
Constitutional values – Citizenship
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC3. recognize the significance of constitutional values, including civic rights and duties,
citizenship, responsibility towards society etc. and personal values and ethics such as
honesty, integrity, caring and respecting others, etc.
PC4. follow environmentally sustainable practices
Becoming a Professional in the 21st Century
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC5. recognize the significance of 21st Century Skills for employment
PC6. practice the 21st Century Skills such as Self-Awareness, Behaviour Skills, time management,
critical and adaptive thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, social and cultural
awareness, emotional awareness, learning to learn for continuous learning etc. in personal
and professional life
Basic English Skills
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

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PC7. use basic English for everyday conversation in different contexts, in person and over the
telephone
PC8. read and understand routine information, notes, instructions, mails, letters etc. written in
English
PC9. write short messages, notes, letters, e-mails etc. in English
Career Development & Goal Setting
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC10. understand the difference between job and career
PC11. prepare a career development plan with short- and long-term goals, based on aptitude
Communication Skills
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC12. follow verbal and non-verbal communication etiquette and active listening techniques in
various settings
PC13. work collaboratively with others in a team
Diversity & Inclusion
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC14. communicate and behave appropriately with all genders and PwD
PC15. escalate any issues related to sexual harassment at workplace according to POSH Act
Financial and Legal Literacy
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC16. select financial institutions, products and services as per requirement
PC17. carry out offline and online financial transactions, safely and securely
PC18. identify common components of salary and compute income, expenses, taxes, investments
etc
PC19. identify relevant rights and laws and use legal aids to fight against legal exploitation
Essential Digital Skills
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC20. operate digital devices and carry out basic internet operations securely and safely
PC21. use e- mail and social media platforms and virtual collaboration tools to work effectively
PC22. use basic features of word processor, spreadsheets, and presentations
Entrepreneurship
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC23. identify different types of Entrepreneurship and Enterprises and assess opportunities for
potential business through research
PC24. develop a business plan and a work model, considering the 4Ps of Marketing Product, Price,
Place and Promotion
PC25. identify sources of funding, anticipate, and mitigate any financial/ legal hurdles for the
potential business opportunity
Customer Service
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC26. identify different types of customers
PC27. identify and respond to customer requests and needs in a professional manner.

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PC28. follow appropriate hygiene and grooming standards

Getting ready for apprenticeship & Jobs
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC29. create a professional Curriculum vitae (Résumé)
PC30. search for suitable jobs using reliable offline and online sources such as Employment
exchange, recruitment agencies, newspapers etc. and job portals, respectively
PC31. apply to identified job openings using offline /online methods as per requirement
PC32. answer questions politely, with clarity and confidence, during recruitment and selection
PC33. identify apprenticeship opportunities and register for it as per guidelines and requirements

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1. need for employability skills and different learning and employability related portals
KU2. various constitutional and personal values
KU3. different environmentally sustainable practices and their importance
KU4. Twenty first (21st) century skills and their importance
KU5. how to use English language for effective verbal (face to face and telephonic) and written
communication in formal and informal set up
KU6. importance of career development and setting long- and short-term goals
KU7. about effective communication
KU8. POSH Act
KU9. Gender sensitivity and inclusivity
KU10. different types of financial institutes, products, and services
KU11. how to compute income and expenditure
KU12. importance of maintaining safety and security in offline and online financial transactions
KU13. different legal rights and laws
KU14. different types of digital devices and the procedure to operate them safely and securely
KU15. how to create and operate an e- mail account and use applications such as word processors,
spreadsheets etc.
KU16. how to identify business opportunities
KU17. types and needs of customers
KU18. how to apply for a job and prepare for an interview
KU19. apprenticeship scheme and the process of registering on apprenticeship portal

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1. read and write different types of documents/instructions/correspondence

GS2. communicate effectively using appropriate language in formal and informal settings

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GS3. behave politely and appropriately with all

GS4. how to work in a virtual mode
GS5. perform calculations efficiently
GS6. solve problems effectively
GS7. pay attention to details
GS8. manage time efficiently
GS9. maintain hygiene and sanitization to avoid infection

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Assessment Criteria

Theory Practical Project Viva

Assessment Criteria for Outcomes
Marks Marks Marks Marks

Introduction to Employability Skills 1 1 - -

PC1. identify employability skills required for jobs

- - - -
in various industries

PC2. identify and explore learning and

- - - -
employability portals

Constitutional values – Citizenship 1 1 - -

PC3. recognize the significance of constitutional

values, including civic rights and duties,
citizenship, responsibility towards society etc. and - - - -
personal values and ethics such as honesty,
integrity, caring and respecting others, etc.

PC4. follow environmentally sustainable practices - - - -

Becoming a Professional in the 21st Century 2 4 - -

PC5. recognize the significance of 21st Century

- - - -
Skills for employment

PC6. practice the 21st Century Skills such as Self-

Awareness, Behaviour Skills, time management,
critical and adaptive thinking, problem-solving,
creative thinking, social and cultural awareness, - - - -
emotional awareness, learning to learn for
continuous learning etc. in personal and
professional life

Basic English Skills 2 3 - -

PC7. use basic English for everyday conversation

in different contexts, in person and over the - - - -
telephone

PC8. read and understand routine information,

notes, instructions, mails, letters etc. written in - - - -
English

PC9. write short messages, notes, letters, e-mails

- - - -
etc. in English

Career Development & Goal Setting 1 2 - -

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Theory Practical Project Viva

Assessment Criteria for Outcomes
Marks Marks Marks Marks

PC10. understand the difference between job and

- - - -
career

PC11. prepare a career development plan with

- - - -
short- and long-term goals, based on aptitude

Communication Skills 2 2 - -

PC12. follow verbal and non-verbal

communication etiquette and active listening - - - -
techniques in various settings

PC13. work collaboratively with others in a team - - - -

Diversity & Inclusion 1 2 - -

PC14. communicate and behave appropriately

- - - -
with all genders and PwD

PC15. escalate any issues related to sexual

- - - -
harassment at workplace according to POSH Act

Financial and Legal Literacy 2 3 - -

PC16. select financial institutions, products and

- - - -
services as per requirement

PC17. carry out offline and online financial

- - - -
transactions, safely and securely

PC18. identify common components of salary and

compute income, expenses, taxes, investments - - - -
etc

PC19. identify relevant rights and laws and use

- - - -
legal aids to fight against legal exploitation

Essential Digital Skills 3 4 - -

PC20. operate digital devices and carry out basic

- - - -
internet operations securely and safely

PC21. use e- mail and social media platforms and

- - - -
virtual collaboration tools to work effectively

PC22. use basic features of word processor,

- - - -
spreadsheets, and presentations

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Theory Practical Project Viva

Assessment Criteria for Outcomes
Marks Marks Marks Marks

Entrepreneurship 2 3 - -

PC23. identify different types of Entrepreneurship

and Enterprises and assess opportunities for - - - -
potential business through research

PC24. develop a business plan and a work model,

considering the 4Ps of Marketing Product, Price, - - - -
Place and Promotion

PC25. identify sources of funding, anticipate, and

mitigate any financial/ legal hurdles for the - - - -
potential business opportunity

Customer Service 1 2 - -

PC26. identify different types of customers - - - -

PC27. identify and respond to customer requests

- - - -
and needs in a professional manner.

PC28. follow appropriate hygiene and grooming

- - - -
standards

Getting ready for apprenticeship & Jobs 2 3 - -

PC29. create a professional Curriculum vitae

- - - -
(Résumé)

PC30. search for suitable jobs using reliable offline

and online sources such as Employment
- - - -
exchange, recruitment agencies, newspapers etc.
and job portals, respectively

PC31. apply to identified job openings using offline

- - - -
/online methods as per requirement

PC32. answer questions politely, with clarity and

- - - -
confidence, during recruitment and selection

PC33. identify apprenticeship opportunities and

- - - -
register for it as per guidelines and requirements

NOS Total 20 30 - -

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National Occupational Standards (NOS) Parameters

NOS Code DGT/VSQ/N0102

NOS Name Employability Skills (60 Hours)

Sector Cross Sectoral

Sub-Sector Professional Skills

Occupation Employability

NSQF Level 4

Credits 2

Version 1.0

Last Reviewed Date NA

Next Review Date 30/06/2025

NSQC Clearance Date 30/06/2022

Assessment Guidelines and Assessment Weightage

Assessment Guidelines

1. Criteria for assessment for each Qualification File will be created by the Sector Skill Council. Each
Performance Criteria (PC) will be assigned marks proportional to its importance in NOS. SSC will also lay
down a proportion of marks for Theory and Skills Practical for each PC.

2. The assessment for the theory part will be based on the knowledge bank of questions created by the
SSC.

3. Assessment will be conducted for all compulsory NOS, and where applicable, on the selected
elective/option NOS/set of NOS

4. Individual assessment agencies will create unique question papers for the theory part for each
candidate at each examination/training centre (as per assessment criteria below)

5. Individual assessment agencies will create unique evaluations for skill practical for every student at
each examination/training centre based on this criterion

6. To pass a Qualification, a trainee should score a minimum aggregate of 50% across Qualification.

7. In case of unsuccessful completion, the trainee may seek reassessment on the Qualification.

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Minimum Aggregate Passing % at QP Level : 50

(Please note: Every Trainee should score a minimum aggregate passing percentage as specified above, to
successfully clear the Qualification Pack assessment.)

Assessment Weightage

Compulsory NOS

National Occupational Theory Practical Project Viva Total

Weightage
Standards Marks Marks Marks Marks Marks

SSC/[Link] software
20 80 - - 100 70
code to specification

DGT/VSQ/[Link]
20 30 - - 50 30
Skills (60 Hours)

Total 40 110 - - 150 100

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Acronyms

NOS National Occupational Standard(s)

NSQF National Skills Qualifications Framework

QP Qualifications Pack

TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training

IT-ITeS Information Technology - Information Technology enabled Services

BPM Business Process Management

BPO Business Process Outsourcing

KPO Knowledge Process Outsourcing

LPO Legal Process Outsourcing

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Glossary

Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having

similar business and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset
Sector
of the economy whose components share similar characteristics and
interests.

Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the

Sub-sector
characteristics and interests of its components.

Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/ related set of

Occupation
functions in an industry.

Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
Job role
employment opportunity in an organisation.

OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve

when carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the
Occupational
Knowledge and Understanding (KU) they need to meet that standard
Standards (OS)
consistently. Occupational Standards are applicable both in the Indian
and global contexts.

Performance Criteria Performance Criteria (PC) are statements that together specify the
(PC) standard of performance required when carrying out a task.

National
NOS are occupational standards which apply uniquely in the Indian
Occupational
context.
Standards (NOS)

QP comprises the set of OS, together with the educational, training and
Qualifications Pack
other criteria required to perform a job role. A QP is assigned a unique
(QP)
qualifications pack code.

Unit code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard, which is

Unit Code
denoted by an ‘N’

Unit title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent
Unit Title
should be able to do.

Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be

Description helpful to anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the
appropriate OS they are looking for.

Scope is a set of statements specifying the range of variables that an

Scope individual may have to deal with in carrying out the function which have
a critical impact on quality of performance required.

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Knowledge and Understanding (KU) are statements which together

Knowledge and specify the technical, generic, professional and organisational specific
Understanding (KU) knowledge that an individual needs in order to perform to the required
standard.

Organisational context includes the way the organisation is structured

Organisational
and how it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge
Context
managers have of their relevant areas of responsibility.

Technical knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish

Technical Knowledge
specific designated responsibilities.

Core skills or Generic Skills (GS) are a group of skills that are the key to
learning and working in today’s world. These skills are typically needed
Core Skills/ Generic
in any work environment in today’s world. These skills are typically
Skills (GS)
needed in any work environment. In the context of the OS, these include
communication related skills that are applicable to most job roles.

Electives are NOS/set of NOS that are identified by the sector as

contributive to specialization in a job role. There may be multiple
Electives
electives within a QP for each specialized job role. Trainees must select
at least one elective for the successful completion of a QP with Electives.

Options are NOS/set of NOS that are identified by the sector as

Options additional skills. There may be multiple options within a QP. It is not
mandatory to select any of the options to complete a QP with Options.

Helpdesk is an entity to which the customers will report their IT

Helpdesk problems. IT Service Helpdesk Attendant is responsible for managing the
helpdesk.

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