1. Introduction

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) was created in 2014, at a time when millions of young Indians were entering the workforce each year without industry-ready skills. Over the last 11 years, MSDE has transformed this challenge into a national opportunity by building an integrated ecosystem spanning short-term skilling, long-term vocational education, apprenticeship, entrepreneurship, global mobility and support for traditional trades.

This Year-End Review presents key milestones and outcomes achieved, while also reflecting the cumulative progress of MSDE’s flagship initiatives.

 

2. National Skilling through PMKVY 4.0

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship short-term skilling scheme of MSDE. Over its four phases, it has evolved from a pilot incentive-based certification programme to a large-scale, demand-driven, outcome-oriented skilling ecosystem.

• As on 7 December 2025, 27.08 lakh candidates have been trained under PMKVY 4.0 across 38 sectors, covering 36 States and 732 districts.
• Between April 2024 and 7 December 2025, more than 7.5 lakh candidates have been trained in sectors such as IT-ITeS, aerospace & aviation, agriculture, rubber, leather, and tourism & hospitality across 34 States and 670 districts.
• 77 customised courses and 102 future-skill job roles have been introduced to improve employability in emerging domains including AI, Industry 4.0, green jobs and digital services.
• Over 15,500 institutions are implementing PMKVY 4.0, including more than 7,000 Skill Hubs in schools, higher educational institutions and ITIs. Institutes of national importance such as IITs, IIMs, IIITs, NITs, government institutions and PSUs are participating under PMKVY for the first time.
• Between April 2024 and September 2025, ₹1,652.89 crore was utilised under the scheme.

PMKVY has also coverged with flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Vibrant Villages Programme, National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-JANMAN, PM SVANidhi, Jal Jeevan Mission, among others, thereby embedding a strong skilling component in national development programmes keeping in line with the whole of government approach.

Training of Trainers & Assessors (ToT & ToA): Under PMKVY 4.0, a dedicated outlay of ₹200 crore has been earmarked to create a National Pool of Trainers and Assessors, with standard operating procedures, curricula and certification frameworks issued by NCVET and hosted on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

From April 2024 to November 2025:

• 34,505 Trainers and 13,844 Assessors have been certified under PMKVY 4.0-linked ToT & ToA efforts.

 

Aligning skills with various national missions and emerging sectors:

National missions have given a strong direction to skilling initiatives, targeting the requirement of skilled workforce in Semi-conductors, AI / Cyber security, renewable and mobility. MSDE has developed more than 600 Job roles in these sectors and skilled over 4.3 Lakh youth in new-age courses.

 

3. Modernising the ITI Ecosystem and Launch of PM-SETU

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) remain the backbone of long-term vocational education in India. Under MSDE’s stewardship, this ecosystem has been significantly expanded and modernised:

• Between 2014 and 2025, the number of ITIs increased from around 9,977 to over 14,682, with 4,605 new ITIs established.
• Enrolments have risen from about 9.5 lakh to over 14 lakh trainees, reflecting growing trust in vocational education.
• The number of National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) has increased from 25 to 33; Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs) from 11 to 120, with 17,475 sanctioned CITS seats across NSTIs and IToTs.

Key reforms and initiatives include:

• Flexi MoU Scheme (Employer-Skiller Model):
  • 11 Flexi MoUs currently in operation.
  • 10,500+ trainees certified and ~15,000 undergoing training in industry-led environments.
• Dual System of Training (DST):
  • Combines classroom learning in ITIs with on-the-job training in industry.
  • Since inception, 1.87 lakh trainees have enrolled under DST.
• World Bank-supported STRIVE Project (concluded 31 May 2024): Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) project was World Bank assisted project launched in 2017. The project has concluded on 31st May, 2024. Under the STRIVE initiative, 500 ITIs and 90 Industry Clusters were selected in three phases to enhance training quality and promote apprenticeships. A total of ₹772.67 crores was released, with ₹711.68 crores utilized, reflecting a 92% expenditure rate. Around 27,500 state officials and ITI instructors received training, including 18,500 personnel trained in NSQF compliance across 36 States/UTs. Additionally, 9,000 officials underwent training in management, pedagogy, entrepreneurship, employability, and advanced trades across 18 states. A National Tracer Study of STRIVE ITIs was also conducted by an independent agency.
• Skill Development in 48 LWE District Scheme:
  • 46 of 48 ITIs operational, with 13,276 trainees enrolled since 2020.
  • Rs. 308.35 crore utilised (out of Rs. 401.28 crore).
• Upgradation of Existing Government ITIs into Model ITIs (sunset March 2024):
  • 19 of 35 ITIs fully upgraded as Model ITIs.
  • Rs. 192.65 crore utilised (out of Rs. 238.08 crore);

PM-SETU: A Landmark Reform in ITI Modernisation

To further strengthen this ecosystem, the Union Cabinet on 7 May 2025 approved PM–SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme at an estimated cost of ₹60,000 crore (Central Share: ₹30,000 crore; State Share: ₹20,000 crore; Industry Share: ₹10,000 crore), with 50% of the Central share co-financed equally by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank as a result-based loan.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched PM-SETU on 4 October 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key features:

• Upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs (200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs) in a hub-and-spoke model, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern equipment.
• Establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs) to co-own and co-manage clusters, ensuring outcome-based training and employment.
• Introduction and redesign of courses based on labour market demand, including high-demand traditional trades upgraded with modern technology.

• States are co-creating the upgradation of 1,000 ITIs around their core strengths
  • Haryana specialising in Automobile
  • Manipur specialising in Tourism and Hospitality
  • Meghalaya specialising in Power and Construction
  • Andhra Pradesh specialising in Iron and Steel and Pharma & IT
  • Uttar Pradesh specialising in Sports goods and Industrial manufacturing
  • Karnataka specialising in Aviation and Electronics
  • Bihar in Food Processing, Medical Equipment and Accessories
  • Kerala specialising in Logistics, Green energy, Aviation, and Chemical & Fertilizers
  • Tamil Nadu in Textile, Logistics and green energy
  • Madhya Pradesh specializing in Automobiles, Defense, and Manufacturing
  • Odisha specializing in Iron and steel
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands specialising in Marine and Tourism & Hospitality

• Capacity augmentation of five NSTIs (Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Ludhiana) as National Centres of Excellence for Skilling with global partnerships.

4. Expanding Apprenticeships through NAPS 2.0

Apprenticeship remains a key pillar for “earn while you learn” and industry-centric skill development. Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):

• Since 2016, more than 49.18 lakh apprentices have been engaged across sectors such as automotive, IT-ITeS, electronics, retail and manufacturing.
• Under NAPS-2 (launched on 25 August 2023), a budget of ₹1,942 crore has been allocated for FY 2022–23 to 2025–26.

Performance between April 2024 and November 2025:

• Registrations & Engagement
  • Over 40 lakh candidates registered on the apprenticeship portal.
  • 9.85 lakh apprentices engaged in FY 2024–25, and 8.14 lakh more engaged up to 30 November 2025 in FY 2025–26.
• Completion & Certification
  • FY 2024–25: 5.86 lakh apprentices completed On the Job Training; 2.33 lakh completed final assessment.
  • FY 2025–26 (up to 30 November 2025): 4.22 lakh completed On the Job Training; 1.58 lakh completed final assessment.
• Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)
  • CoP launched on 19 September 2025 as an additional recognition for apprentices who complete the full duration and practical assessment.
  • As of November 2025, 18,705 apprentices found eligible; 17,434 CoPs generated (~93% completion).
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
  • Government of India contributes 25% of stipend (up to ₹1,500 per month) directly to apprentices’ bank accounts via NAPS portal.
  • From April 2024 to November 2025, more than ₹859.86 crore disbursed through 61.62 lakh DBT transactions.
• Industry Network
  • 24,528 new establishments registered between April 2024 and November 2025.
  • 29,826 establishments engaged apprentices during this period.

Reforms and Facilitation:

• Revamped guidelines for NAPS and Basic Training Providers, simplified portal processes and reduced compliance burden.
• Inclusion of the service sector under Optional Trades, leading to a sharp rise in women apprentices:
  • Women’s participation increased from 11.30% (FY 2018–19) to 22.84% (FY 2024–25).
  • Over 10.01 lakh women apprentices engaged since 2016–17; 1.76 lakh women (24.80%) engaged in FY 2025–26 (up to 31 October 2025).
• Jan Vishwas 2.0 driven decriminalisation under the Apprentices Act, 1961 through substitution of fines with penalties and introduction of adjudication and appeals.
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) organised at scale:
  • Since June 2022, 6,192 PMNAMs conducted with participation from 40,990 establishments and 6.54 lakh+ candidates.
• Special NER Initiative launched on 20 May 2025, providing an additional ₹1,500 per month stipend to apprentices from North Eastern Region; 9,650 candidates covered with ₹1.45 crore released.

Skilling under PM Vishwakarma

Launched in September 2023 by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, jointly implemented by Ministry of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Finance, celebrates and empowers India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople known as the Vishwakarmas, who for generations have shaped India's material and cultural legacy. Recognizing their invaluable role, the scheme aims to equip these artisans with modern skills, financial support, and formal recognition, ensuring that traditional knowledge thrives in today’s evolving economy.

Under this transformative initiative, over 23.66 lakh artisans from 18 traditional trades including carpentry, blacksmithing, tailoring, pottery, sculpture, and goldsmithing have been formally trained. Beyond just technical training, artisans received modern toolkits, certifications, and access to credit to expand their businesses, adapt to modern demands, and enhance their incomes.

The scheme's impact goes beyond numbers. Special "Guru ka Samman" events were organized to honor 94 community leaders and master craftsmen, preserving India’s priceless guru-shishya traditions while building a bridge to modern markets. Artisans were trained through structured basic training programs, supported by handbooks, 1,500+ training videos, and multilingual resources to ensure ease of learning.

Additionally, financial empowerment was a core pillar and trainees were connected to credit facilities through banks, enabling them to invest in better equipment, marketing, and production expansion. This support enabled artisans like Mhonthung, a carpenter from Nagaland, and Thokchom Priyanka Devi, a flower artisan from Manipur, to not only enhance their crafts but to turn passion into sustainable entrepreneurship.

The scheme also celebrated its first anniversary with a landmark event in Wardha, Maharashtra, in the august presence of the Prime Minister. More than 50,000 artisans participated on-ground, with 1 lakh skill certificates distributed and parallel celebrations organized across 550+ locations nationwide.

By combining skill development, financial empowerment, digital enablement, and cultural pride, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is reviving India’s rich artisanal heritage. It ensures that traditional artisans are no longer left behind, but are future-ready entrepreneurs who contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat, an India that cherishes its traditions while embracing the future.

5. Digital Public Infrastructure for Skills – SIDH and Digital Platforms

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), launched on 13 September 2023, is India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for skills. It integrates training, assessment, certification, crediting and employment on a single trusted platform. NSDC is the implementing agency on behalf of MSDE.

Key Integrations:

SIDH is integrated with 25 Central Ministries, 27 States and multiple national platforms including:

• PM GatiShakti – locating nearby training centres.
• GSTN & PAN – ensuring verified institutions.
• UIDAI (Aadhaar) – secure enrolment and authentication.
• DigiLocker & India Stack – instant retrieval and verification of certificates.
• e-Shram, National Career Service (NCS) – linking skills with relevant job opportunities.
• Bhashini – access in 23 Indian languages.

Impact between April 2024 and September 2025:

• 1.6 crore+ candidate registrations; 1 crore+ eKYC-verified candidates.
• 21 lakh+ mobile app downloads.
• 10,000+ skill courses available via 64 digital learning partners in 10 Indian languages.
• 30,000+ training centres and 6,000+ training partners integrated.
• 10 lakh+ job listings/apprenticeship opportunities enabled; linked with NCS.
• Over ₹1,100 crore channelled as Direct Benefit Transfers across schemes (PMV, NAPS, PMKVY) through converged digital systems.

The Bharatskills Portal, launched in 2019, continues to complement SIDH as a rich online content repository, with over 75.37 lakh users and 4.44 crore hits, providing digital learning support to ITI trainees and trainers.

DGT has signed an MoU with Autodesk on 6th Nov 2025 to enhance digital “design and make” skills across 14682 ITIs and 33 NSTIs in India. The collaboration aims to equip trainers and trainees with advanced tools, curricula, and certifications in areas like AI, 3D design, and manufacturing. Covering more than 23 lakh trainees, this initiative modernises vocational training, bridges the gap between education and industry, and prepares India’s workforce for future technologies. It marks a major step towards building a globally competitive, technology-driven skilled talent ecosystem.

Short-term courses on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain were introduced through partnerships with global tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco, ensuring Indian youth are not just ready for today's jobs but tomorrow's as well.

6. Entrepreneurship Development and Access to Finance

Recognising entrepreneurship as a key driver of job creation, MSDE has focused on building entrepreneurial capabilities and easing access to credit.

6.1 Entrepreneurship Development through NIESBUD and IIE

Through the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati:

• Over 12.75 lakh individuals have received entrepreneurship training till December, 2025
• More than 26,000 enterprises have been created under various programmes.

Swavalambini – Women Entrepreneurship Programme

• Launched in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform in February–March 2025 in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana.
• Target group: 1,200 female students from Higher Educational Institutions and Universities.
• 600 selected students receive a 40-hour Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), followed by six months of mentorship.
• Includes Faculty Development Programme to build a cadre of mentors within institutions
• Recognition of successful women entrepreneurs under the “Award to Rewards” initiative.

Enterprise Creation under Entrepreneurship Programmes (recent years)

• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana ESDP (FY 2024–25): 138 enterprises.
• JSS ToT & EDP initiative (Oct 2022–Sept 2023): 1,463 enterprises.
• Pilot EDP Project (FY 2022–23): 2,058 enterprises.
• STRIVE Entrepreneurship Development Cells (FY 2023–24): 1,361 enterprises.
• SANKALP tribal/NER entrepreneurship programmes and incubation support (FY 2022–25): 21,411 enterprises.

MSDE also showcased 15 innovative startups nurtured under its initiatives at Startup Mahakumbh (3–5 April 2025) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, highlighting skill-based entrepreneurship across sectors from organic foods and sustainable fashion to AI and logistics.

6.2 EMErGP – Micro-Entrepreneurs at Gram Panchayat Level

Under SANKALP’s DLI-7, the EMErGP project aims to improve service delivery at Gram Panchayat level by linking skill-certified individuals to local employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in 2,000 Gram Panchayats across six States (Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh).

Overall project performance (till November 2025):

• 40,632 candidates enrolled; 39,910 trained.
• 29,706 assessed; 27,523 passed and certified.

Between April 2024 and November 2025:

• 34,946 enrolled; 34,280 trained.
• 26,538 assessed; 24,652 passed; 24,648 certified.

6.3 Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development (CGFSSD)

The Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development, anchored by MSDE, was comprehensively revamped based on consultations led by NSDC between May 2023 and July 2024.

Key modifications (approved in June 2024 and notified on 9 July 2024):

• Lending institutions expanded to include NBFCs, MFIs and Small Finance Banks (earlier only banks).
• Maximum loan size enhanced from ₹1.50 lakh to ₹7.50 lakh.
• Guarantee cover for lower ticket loans increased from 75% to 85%.
• Lock-in period to invoke guarantee reduced from 12 months to 6 months.
• Eligibility expanded to include non-NSQF aligned courses with strong domestic and overseas demand.

Performance as on 31 August 2025:

• 31 lending institutions registered (including 12 NBFCs and 2 private sector banks).
• 13,072 loans guaranteed, amounting to ₹155.37 crore.
  • Pre-modification (up to 8 July 2024): 10,477 loans, ₹120.76 crore, 17 institutions.
  • Post-modification (9 July 2024 – 31 August 2025): 2,595 loans, ₹34.61 crore, 14 additional institutions.
• Gyandhan Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. became the first NBFC to avail guarantee coverage for 153 skill loans worth ₹1.21 crore.

These reforms have expanded access to skill financing, especially for aspirational, high-value and overseas-oriented skill programmes.

 

7. Inclusive Skilling – Jan Shikshan Sansthan

7.1 Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) and Tribal Skilling

The JSS network has emerged as a key vehicle for last-mile skilling among rural, tribal, women and marginalized communities.

• Between 2018 and 16 December 2025, 33.55 lakh beneficiaries have been trained in trades such as tailoring, embroidery, handicrafts, food processing and health-related services.
• Under the Model JSS Project, 100 JSS labs have been upgraded with modern equipment.
• JSS training lifecycle has migrated to SIDH from FY 2024–25, ensuring real-time monitoring and unified digital records.
• Over 7.08 lakh certificates have been issued in upgraded NCVET-compliant formats, with 28 new NSQF Level 2 & 3 courses introduced.

Under convergence with Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA):

• JSS has been tasked with establishing skilling centres in 30 tribal districts, targeting 1 lakh tribal beneficiaries between 2024–25 and 2028–29.
• On 24 June 2025, the MoS (IC), SDE inaugurated the Tribal Skill Centre at Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh in person and virtually inaugurated 29 more centres.
• As on 16 December 2025, 10,792 tribal beneficiaries have been enrolled.
• From December 2024, products made by JSS beneficiaries are being marketed online through the UdyamKart portal, connecting artisans and micro-entrepreneurs directly with buyers.
• The entire JSS training lifecycle has been migrated to the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) from FY 2024–25, enabling real-time digital monitoring, seamless beneficiary tracking and data convergence.
• JSS has adopted NCVET-compliant certification frameworks, issuing over 7.08 lakh certificates in the upgraded NCVET format to trainees.
• To diversify skilling options, 28 new NCVET-approved courses at NSQF Level 2 and 3 have been introduced under JSS.
• JSSs have been mainstreamed into the national skilling and employment ecosystem through integration with digital platforms such as Udyam, e-Shram, National Career Service (NCS) and ASEEM, expanding outreach and job-matching opportunities.
• Convergence has been strengthened with key Ministries, including MWCD, MoTA, MoMSME and MoE, enabling JSS to support women, tribal communities, micro-entrepreneurs and lifelong learners more effectively.

With these reforms, Jan Shikshan Sansthans have evolved into a powerful vehicle for socio-economic empowerment, providing market-linked livelihood opportunities and promoting self-reliance among vulnerable and marginalized communities.

 

8. Taking Indian Skills Global

MSDE has proactively positioned India as a global hub for skilled manpower through G2G agreements, migration partnerships and global skill centres.

8.1 Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreements

India has seven active G2G MoUs on labour and skill cooperation with Australia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Singapore and UAE, with an MoU with France in the pipeline. Skill development components have also been integrated into eight Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) and Labour Mobility Agreements (LMAs) with countries including Australia, Israel, Denmark, Italy, Germany, UK, Japan and Austria.

Israel

• Under Protocol A (Construction): From April 2024 to November 2025, 6,730 construction workers deployed to Israel, against a mandate of 10,000 workers.
• 8,200 construction workers underwent 30 hours of RPL training through PMKVY 4.0 to upgrade skills.
• Under Protocol B (Caregivers): 47 home-based caregivers deployed by November 2025.

Japan – TITP & SSW

• Under the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) (MoC signed in 2017), a total of 2,601 technical interns have been sent to Japan since 2018.
• Between April 2024 and November 2025, 1,271 interns were deployed in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, textile, agriculture and food manufacturing.
• Under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) framework (MoC signed in 2021), 220 candidates have been deployed to Japan, of which 173 were sent between April 2024 and November 2025.

Mauritius

• A MoU signed on 10 May 2023 provides a G2G framework for recruitment and employment of Indian workers in Mauritius. NSDC, as nodal agency, is operationalising demands across multiple sectors.

8.2 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) and PDOT

To streamline ethical skill-based mobility:

• 2 Skill India International Centres are operational – SIIC Varanasi (ITI Karaundi) and SDI Bhubaneswar.
• 5 additional SIICs (NSTI Hyderabad, NSTI Kanpur, NSTI Ludhiana, NSTI Bengaluru and IIE Guwahati) are in advanced stages of operationalisation.
• Since inception till November 2025, 8,313 candidates have been trained at SIICs in domain skills, language training, RPL and Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT).
• Between April 2024 and November 2025, 6,801 candidates have been trained at SIIC Varanasi and Bhubaneswar.

Under Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

• From 2018 to November 2025, 1,68,914 emigrants have undergone PDOT.
• Between April 2024 and November 2025, 37,746 candidates received PDOT to support safe and informed overseas employment.
• Ensures preparedness on culture, basic language, workplace norms, laws, safety, welfare measures, and emigration procedures.
• Country-specific information kits developed for 30 priority countries.

Addressing Domestic Skill Demand & Supply Mismatch

• Focus on industry-relevant, demand-driven skills rather than generic training.
• Industry participation strengthened by onboarding large companies as Awarding Bodies (Microsoft, IBM, HCL, Bajaj FinServ, Jindal Steel & Power etc.)
• 70+ industry-developed qualifications already notified.

 

 

9. Skill Competitions and Celebrating Skill Pride

9.1 WorldSkills and WorldSkills Asia

WorldSkills Competition 2024 (Lyon, France; 10–15 September 2024)

• Team India participated in 52 skills with 60 competitors (20% female; 12 with ITI background).
• India secured 13th position, winning:
  • 4 Bronze Medals (Industry 4.0 Team Skill, Hotel Reception, Patisserie & Confectionery, Renewable Energy).
  • 12 Medallions of Excellence across skills including Additive Manufacturing, Automobile Technology, Beauty Therapy, Cabinet Making, Car Painting, Cooking, Cyber Security (Team), Graphic Design Technology, Jewellery, Mechatronics (Team), Web Technology and Water Technology.
• Out of the sanctioned ₹82.2 crore from NSDF, ₹45.92 crore utilised for IndiaSkills and WorldSkills 2024.

WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025 (Chinese Taipei; 27–29 November 2025)

• India participated in 21 skills with 23 competitors, 21 experts and 6 officials.
• India secured 8th position, winning:
  • 1 Silver in Painting & Decorating.
  • 2 Bronze in Industrial Design Technology and Robot System Integration.
  • 3 Medallions of Excellence in Web Technology, Software Application Development and Electrical Installation.

9.2 IndiaSkills Competitions

• IndiaSkills 2023–24 National Competition held in May 2024 at New Delhi:
  • 900+ competitors across 61 skills (52 official, 9 exhibition).
  • 450+ industry experts and 200+ industry and academic partners contributed as assessors and collaborators.
• IndiaSkills Competition 2025 (ISC 2025):
  • Launched on 22 July 2025 by the MoS (IC), SDE during BharatSkillNxt.
  • Registrations opened on SIDH in 63 skills.
  • 3.65 lakh registrations received from 35 States/UTs.

9.3 Kaushal Mahotsav and Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh

Kaushal Mahotsav (district-level job and apprenticeship fairs):

• Since November 2022, 10 Kaushal Mahotsavs held across States such as Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
• Cumulatively: 1,87,668 candidate registrations, 823 employers, and 38,826 candidates shortlisted.
• Between April 2024 and November 2025 alone, Kaushal Mahotsavs attracted over 50,000 registrations, 200+ employers and nearly 17,500 candidates shortlisted.

Selected events (Apr 2024–Nov 2025):

• Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh (24 Sept 2024): 54 employers, 13,500 registrations, 5,118 shortlisted.
• Bharatpur, Rajasthan (19 Nov 2024): 62 employers, 8,360 registrations, 4,519 shortlisted.
• Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (16–17 Sept 2025): 103 employers, 31,277 registrations, 8,256 shortlisted.

Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2025

• Held on 4 October 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, graced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MoS (IC), SDE.
• 46 All India ITI & NSTI toppers were felicitated by the Prime Minister.
• Convocation ceremonies were simultaneously organised in ITIs and NSTIs across the country.
• The PM-SETU scheme was formally launched on this occasion.

 

10. Strengthening Governance, Quality and Decentralised Planning

MSDE has undertaken systemic reforms to ensure that India’s skilling ecosystem is scalable, accountable and quality-assured.

• NCVET: Established as the apex regulator for vocational education and training in December 2018, standardising qualifications under the NSQF.
• Awarding Bodies & Assessment Agencies:
  • 139 Awarding Bodies and 68 Assessment Agencies operational, ensuring uniform standards nationwide.
• Common Cost Norms (July 2015) adopted across ministries and departments for short-term skilling programmes.
• Indian Skill Development Services (ISDS) cadre created in 2017 to professionalise administration of skilling schemes.
• Enforcement & Quality Control:
  • Penal action taken against 1,189 non-compliant centres.
  • 4.5 lakh ITI seats deactivated and 415 ITIs de-affiliated to uphold quality norms.

SANKALP – Institutional Strengthening and Inclusion

The Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative (launched 2018; concluded March 2025), has substantially strengthened the institutional architecture of skilling.

Key achievements:

• District Skill Committees (DSCs) expanded from 248 (2019–20) to 776 (2024–25).
• District Skill Development Plans (DSDPs) increased from 223 to 746 districts.
• 27 States/UTs prepared their State Skill Development Plans (SSDPs).
• AMBER project under SANKALP achieved 24,055 certifications and 18,192 placements (76% placement rate; 54% female participation).
• Over 1.3 crore candidates registered on SIDH; 15,000+ training partners, 50,000+ industry partners and 7,000+ skill courses listed.
• 21,602 enterprises established and 20,875 Udyam registrations/trade licences facilitated, generating more than 20,575 wage employment opportunities.
• A Global Skill Gap Study covering 16 countries supported strategic global mobility initiatives.
• Six Simulated E-Skill Labs using AR/VR developed and piloted for trades like Solar Technician and Electronics Mechanic.
• With the objective to develop a dynamic framework for skill demand assessment and a methodology for conducting demand assessment at the sectoral and state level a National Skill Gap Study was undertaken across 7 high growth sectors namely, Agriculture, Textiles, Automotive, Retail, IT (Programming), Power (Solar/Non-conventional), and Animal Husbandry. The report was launched by Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary on June 16, 2025 during Kaushal Manthan at Hyderabad, Telangana.

These efforts have created a decentralised, data-driven and inclusive skilling ecosystem that responds to local needs while meeting national and global priorities.

 

11. National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) – Regulator for Skill Development

NCVET was notified by the Government of India on 5th December, 2018 as an overarching skills regulator. It is mandated to regulate the functioning of entities engaged in vocational education and training, both long and short term, and establish minimum standards for the functioning of such entities. The major functions of NCVET consist of the following: a. Recognition and regulation of Awarding Bodies (ABs), Assessment Agencies (AAs) and Skill related Information Providers b. Approval of qualifications c. Monitoring and supervision of recognized entities d. Grievance redressal

1. Building a Unified Skill Architecture – From Fragmentation to Cohesion

For years, India’s skilling system operated through multiple bodies, each with its own standards and processes. As the economy opened up and the need for a skilled workforce grew, this fragmented approach led to inconsistencies in training quality, duplication of qualifications, and limited mobility for learners. Recognising this challenge, the Government of India created NCVET as a unified national regulator to bring clarity, coherence, and quality to the skilling ecosystem.

NCVET deepened this mandate by expanding its network of recognised Awarding Bodies and Assessment Agencies across ministries, universities, school boards, and Institute of National Importance (INIs).

This expansion was not merely administrative, it helped weave vocational education into the mainstream, in line with NEP 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat, ensuring that every learner whether in a school, university, ITI, or defence academy operates under one trusted national quality framework.

3. NCVET Expands National Skilling Ecosystem with 229 Recognised Awarding Bodies and Assessment Agencies

As on 28 December 2025, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has signed 229 Recognition Agreements, reflecting the continued expansion and strengthening of the national vocational education and training ecosystem. These recognitions include 161 Awarding Bodies (ABs)—comprising 48 AB (Standard) and 113 AB (Dual)—and 68 Assessment Agencies (AAs). The recognised entities encompass a wide range of institutions, including Central Government Bodies (20), State Government Bodies (17), School Boards (2), Sector Skill Councils (36), MNCs/OEMs (11), Defence Forces (20), Higher Educational Institutions (17), Deemed Awarding Bodies (27), and Others/Professional Bodies (79). This achievement underscores NCVET’s statutory mandate to ensure standardisation, quality assurance, and national recognition of vocational qualifications, in alignment with the NSQF, NCrF, and the objectives of the Skill India Mission, thereby enhancing the credibility, portability, and industry relevance of skilling outcomes across the country.

2. A Modern, Responsive Qualification System

As industries evolved at an unprecedented pace AI, EVs, robotics, green energy, the traditional qualifications alone could not prepare India’s youth for the future. This created an urgent need for an agile qualification system that could respond quickly and intelligently to changing needs.

NCVET rose to this challenge through the National Skill Qualification Committee (NSQC), which approves a wide range of qualifications across future skills, core trades, IndiaSkills standards, and micro-credentials.

This ensured that students across the country gained access to relevant, industry-aligned, NSQF-compliant qualifications that grant them mobility, recognition, and dignity of work—anywhere in the nation.

 

3. KaushalVerse – Digitising the universe of Skilling Governance

With thousands of qualifications, hundreds of awarding bodies and assessment agencies, manual oversight had reached its limits. Governance needed to be digital, real-time, and transparent.

NCVET took the lead by developing the KaushalVerse, a transformational digital enterprise portal hosting recognition, qualification approvals, monitoring, and grievance redressal all on a single window. India’s skilling governance moved from file-based decisions to evidence-based, data-driven oversight. KaushalVerse not only modernised NCVET’s internal systems but also signalled a major step toward the vision of a digitally empowered and accountable skilling ecosystem under Digital India.

4. New Standards for a New India – The Policy Backbone of Skilling

As new players from universities to MNCs to defence units entered the skilling landscape, the need for updated guidelines became critical.
Existing norms were not sufficient for modern technologies, blended learning models, or the explosion of micro-credential-based upskilling.

NCVET responded by developing an entire suite of guidelines that also got gazetted covering:

• Recognition and regulation of ABs and AAs
• Qualification adoption and sharing
• Diploma and micro-credential development
• National Occupational Standards
• Data security and blended learning
• ToT and ToA structures

Each guideline emerged from consultations, feedback, and ecosystem reality—ensuring that regulation remains “light but tight” and aligned with national priorities such as NEP 2020, NCrF, and IndiaAI.

 

5. Strengthening States and Institutions – From Capacity Gaps to Capability Building

As school boards, HEIs, and state bodies prepared to become Awarding Bodies under NEP 2020, many faced challenges in understanding NSQF, qualification development, creditisation, and compliance.

NCVET recognised this gap early. Instead of letting institutions struggle, it proactively organised zonal workshops (Guwahati, Mumbai, Chennai, Bhopal). This helped states and institutions transition smoothly into quality-assured awarding functions ensuring that vocational pathways in schools and universities became credible, standardised, and scalable.

 

6. Preparing India for the Age of Artificial Intelligence – The SOAR Journey

The SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative marks India’s first large-scale effort to bring foundational AI literacy to every learner, fully aligned with the IndiaAI Mission’s vision of AI for All, AI for Many and AI for the Few. Recognising that the future workforce must not only use AI but understand it responsibly, NCVET designed SOAR as a progressive, NSQF-aligned learning pathway for Classes 6–12 and educators. The programme introduces students to the fundamentals of AI, digital fluency, ethics, safety, and project-based problem solving, ensuring early and equitable exposure across regions and school systems. Developed in collaboration with NCERT, CBSE, NIOS, industry leaders, and technology partners, SOAR is structured into micro-credentials AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, AI to Aspire, and AI for Educators which can be creditised under NCrF. By embedding AI readiness at the school level and empowering teachers with the right tools, SOAR positions India to build a digitally fluent, innovation-oriented generation capable of leading the country’s AI-driven future.

7. Equipping Youth with Life-Ready and Work-Ready Skills – The Employability Skills Framework

Employers consistently expressed a concern: While technical skills were strong, behavioural and soft skills were uneven across the workforce.

To address this, NCVET developed a comprehensive national framework for Employability, Soft, and Life Skills aligned with NCrF and NSQF. Nine modules, fifty sub-modules, and four progressive levels were created, supported by high-quality digital and instructor-led content. For the first time, every learner across schools, colleges, and vocational centres can graduate with 21st-century competencies communication, reasoning, digital fluency, values, and workplace readiness.

8. Strengthening Apprenticeship Pathways – Bringing Learning Closer to Work

Apprenticeships are globally recognised as the most effective bridge between learning and employment. But in India, lack of standardisation, unclear credit pathways, and limited visibility of apprenticeship learning created barriers.

NCVET addressed this challenge by formalising standard templates and aligning apprenticeship learning outcomes with NSQF and the Academic Bank of Credits. Today, apprenticeship credits are visible on DigiLocker, enabling students to use them toward future degrees, mobility, or employment . This workflow supports the government’s goal of strengthening apprenticeship-led skilling for economic growth.

9. India’s Semiconductor Workforce Strategy

The India Semiconductor Ecosystem Workforce Development Strategy, led by NCVET under the guidance of MSDE and in collaboration with MeitY, NASSCOM, AICTE, DGT and NSDC, represents one of the most decisive national interventions to prepare India for leadership in the global semiconductor race. With the semiconductor industry forming the technological backbone of AI, electronics, mobility, defence and digital infrastructure, India urgently needed a coordinated approach to build a highly skilled, industry-ready talent pipeline across design, fabrication, ATMP and allied services. NCVET took the lead in addressing this gap by mapping workforce needs across the entire value chain, assessing existing NSQF-aligned qualifications, and collaborating with global leaders such as ARM and Samsung to create new, cutting-edge job roles. The resulting strategy lays out stackable, process-specific, and future-ready qualifications supported by a national ToT plan, enabling career pathways from school and ITI levels up to engineering and R&D roles. By driving this initiative, NCVET has positioned India to not only meet domestic demand for semiconductor talent but also emerge as a global hub for specialised chip design and manufacturing workforce an essential pillar of the country’s long-term digital and economic sovereignty.

 

Through digital governance, strengthened standards, future-ready qualifications, and integration of skilling with education, NCVET is laying the foundation for a skilled, confident, and empowered India an India ready to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

 

Annual Review- Inputs of IC Division, MSDE

A. Skill India International Centres (SIICs)

• As part of the Union Budget 2023, 30 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) were announced to streamline skill-based labour mobility, acting as finishing schools to meet global requirements and international standards. 07 Centres have been made operational at— Varanasi Bhubaneswar, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Guwahati.

B. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the French Republic in the area of Cooperation in the fields of Skill Development, Vocational Education and Training

• India and France signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 July 2025, aimed at strengthening their partnership in skills development, vocational education, and training. The MoU focuses on sectors like aeronautics, hospitality, fashion, energy, and arts, to create globally competitive skills, and foster professional mobility.

C. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and World Economic Forum in the area of Cooperation in the fields of Skill Development, Vocational Education and Training

• Cabinet approved the MoU between MSDE and WEF on 12 December 2025. Through this collaboration, India would launch the Skills Accelerator, a platform designed to harness global expertise, mobilize industry participation, and co-develop innovative, scalable solutions aligned with evolving industry demands.

D. Setting up Five National Centres of Excellence with Global Partnership

• Five National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) for skilling, announced in Budget 2025–26, have been approved by the Cabinet on 7 May 2025 under Component II of the PM-SETU scheme, with proposed locations at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Ludhiana, and the scheme guidelines approved by the National Steering Committee.
• As part of international collaboration, Singapore has been onboarded as the global partner for the NCoE in Advanced Manufacturing at NSTI Chennai through a signed MoU on 3 September 2025. Further, Australia and Germany have shown interests in collaborating for NoCE in Mining and Renewable Energy sector. Formal instruments of collaborations with these countries are likely to finalized soon.

 

E. MoS (I/C) visit to WEF Summit 2025 held in Davos, Switzerland

• Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, was invited to represent India at the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos, Switzerland. During his visit from 20 January 2025 to 24 January 2025, he participated in a series of panel discussions and roundtables, to share India’s vision of fostering a skilled workforce, driving innovation, and advancing sustainable development. His Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings included those with business leaders from Meta, Schneider, PepsiCo and Siemens, while his Government-to-Government (G2G) engagements focussed on meeting representatives from Switzerland, Israel, Denmark and Liechtenstein, among others.
• On 8 April 2025, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education co-chaired a meeting was convened by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and World Economic Forum (WEF), to discuss India Skills Accelerator.

F. MoS (I/C) visit to Australia

• An official delegation accompanied the MoS (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, on an official visit to Australia, at the invitation of the Hon. Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training, Government of Australia. The delegation visited Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth between 10 to 15 September 2025, engaging with federal and state government leaders, vocational institutions, universities, and industry stakeholders. The visit focused on advancing bilateral cooperation in skills development, vocational education, qualifications recognition, and workforce mobility. Engagements resulted in progress toward establishing institutional partnerships, mutual recognition frameworks, and new initiatives in tunnelling, advanced manufacturing, mining, and renewable energy skills.

G. Other Developments/Prominent Meetings

With Australia:

• Under the 3rd Australia–India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) Meeting held in New Delhi on 8 December 2025, MSDE played a key role in advancing bilateral cooperation in skill development and workforce mobility, with discussions focused on operationalising Mutual Recognition of Qualifications, co-design of bridge courses and alignment of skill standards. A bilateral meeting co-chaired by the MoS (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Australian Minister for Skills & Training, along with a roundtable on skilling partnerships at Kaushal Bhawan, further reinforced collaboration on industry-aligned training, green jobs, advanced manufacturing, digital and AI-led sectors, and capacity building of trainers.

With Singapore

• As a follow-up to the Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore in September 2024, Secretary, MSDE met Dr Beh Swan Gin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore, on 5 November 2024 and later on 14 August 2025 to discuss collaboration for establishment of flagship skill centers in India (proposal of Singapore side) and National Centers of Excellence (NCoE).
• Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, called on President Tharman during his visit to India from 14–18 January 2025, further reinforcing bilateral engagement on skills cooperation.
• The 1st Joint Working Group Meeting under the MoU on Educational Cooperation and Skills Development between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and the Ministry of Education, Government of Singapore, was held on 2 September 2025.

With Japan

• MSDE engaged with delegations from Osaka, Hokkaido and Tottori Prefectures of Japan during 2024–25 to explore skilling opportunities and strengthen India–Japan cooperation, including discussions hosted by MEA. In addition, a meeting held on 21 November 2025 with Japanese CEOs from EO Japan focused on expanding industry-led collaboration on skilled mobility, strengthening industry connect ahead of the India–Japan Symposium, promoting Japanese language training in Guwahati, and advancing demand mapping and business facilitation.

With Germany

• On 04 February 2025, Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship met a delegation led by Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour & Tourism from Baden-Württemberg region in Germany including representatives from its Industry and Chambers, to discuss potential areas for partnerships in skill development and vocational Training.
• MSDE hosted German delegation led by Senior representatives from State Government of Niedersachsen, Germany and German Embassy in July and another delegation led by Senior representatives from German Embassy in November 2025 to explore and strengthen collaboration in skilled mobility and vocational education and training. Discussions focused on aligning India’s skilling ecosystem with Germany’s labour market requirements and advancing cooperation in areas, such as, renewable energy and vocational education, reaffirming the shared commitment of both sides to building a future-ready skilled workforce.

With Philippines:

• An Indian delegation led by Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship undertook a study visit to the Philippines from 20-22 October 2025, comprising Principal Secretaries from Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, along with World Bank specialists. The visit focused on understanding the Philippine model of overseas employment, migration governance, and technical-vocational education, with interactions at key institutions including the World Bank Manila Office, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

With Africa:

• GITEX Africa (2025): Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary represented Republic of India at the 3rd Edition of GITEX Africa (2025) in Marrakesh between 14-16 April 2025.
• South Sudan: Secretary, MSDE inaugurated an international training programme for a high-level delegation from the Republic of South Sudan titled “Strengthening the Public–Private Partnership Model in the South Sudan TVET Ecosystem”, organised by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) from 02–12 December 2025. The programme was conducted under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with UNESCO.

With EU:

• MSDE hosted a European media delegation on 29 October 2025, during which a question-and-answer session on skill development and vocational education and training was held with the Secretary, MSDE, and other senior officials of the Ministry.

 

12. Conclusion – India’s Workforce, India’s Power

In just over a decade, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has laid a strong foundation for a Skilled, Aspirational and Entrepreneurial India. From large-scale short-term training under PMKVY and deep reforms in ITIs and apprenticeships, to the digital backbone of SIDH, targeted support for artisans through PM Vishwakarma, inclusive initiatives through JSS and SANKALP, and new pathways of global mobility—Skill India has become a national movement.

Whether it is a woman artisan in Assam, a solar technician in Gujarat, a hospitality apprentice in Australia, a caregiver in Japan, a tribal entrepreneur in the North-East, or a tech startup founder in Bengaluru—every skilled Indian today is a stakeholder in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The journey has gathered momentum, but it is far from over. With newer dreams, newer skills and an unwavering spirit, MSDE remains committed to empowering every citizen to learn, earn and contribute to India’s growth story.

 

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SH

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