Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Skill India Mission Update

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) provided a comprehensive update on the Skill India Mission (SIM) through a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary. The ministry delivers skill, re-skill, and up-skill training through an extensive network of centers under various schemes including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Funding Allocation Across Schemes

Since inception up to June 30, 2026, the ministry has released significant funds across its key schemes: ₹10,591.32 crore for PMKVY (since 2015-16), ₹1,057.58 crore for JSS (since 2018-19), and ₹2,924.52 crore for NAPS (since 2016-17). Funds are released to implementing agencies for training costs as per prescribed norms, with JSS funds going directly to NGOs and NAPS providing stipend support of up to ₹1,500 per month to apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer.

PMKVY Performance Metrics and Evolution

Under PMKVY 1.0 to 3.0 (FY2015-16 to FY2021-23), a total of 1.11 crore candidates were certified, with 24.38 lakh reported placed under the Short Term Training (STT) component. PMKVY 4.0 represents a significant shift in focus from placement monitoring to empowering trained candidates to choose varied career paths. The scheme is implemented through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), an integrated digital platform for skilling, assessment, certification, and employment-related services.

Independent Evaluation Results

An independent third-party impact evaluation of PMKVY 4.0 conducted by Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management revealed substantial improvements in employment outcomes. The combined share of employed and self-employed STT respondents increased from 26.6% prior to training to 45.4% after PMKVY training, reflecting an 18.8 percentage point increase. Income-related outcomes also showed positive movement, with 41.4% of STT candidates and 48.9% of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) candidates reporting increased income following training and certification.

Industry Alignment and Emerging Technologies

The government has implemented several measures to enhance industry relevance, including approval of 10,209 qualifications by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), with 2,975 valid and active qualifications. Thirty-six Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) led by industry leaders have been established to identify sectoral skill development needs and determine competency standards. PMKVY now includes new age/future skills job-roles aligned with Industry 4.0 requirements in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Drone Technology.

Infrastructure and International Collaboration

The Directorate General of Training has introduced 32 new age/future skills courses in ITIs and National Skill Training Institutes under CTS, including 5G Network Technician, Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, Cyber Security Assistant, and Drone Technician. The government has signed Memoranda of Understanding/Cooperation with fourteen countries in skill development and vocational education to align skilling efforts with global requirements. Additionally, 37 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) operate in Karnataka, with one specifically in Dakshin Kannada District.

Major New Initiatives and Partnerships

The government has launched PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a centrally sponsored scheme with an investment of ₹60,000 crore that envisages upgrading 1,000 Government ITIs across the country in a hub-and-spoke model comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs. Indian Institutes of Skills have been established at Ahmedabad and Mumbai in Public Private Partnership mode to cultivate an industry-ready workforce for Industry 4.0. The Directorate General of Training has signed MoUs with IT tech companies including IBM, CISCO, Future Skill Rights Network, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft to ensure industry linkages under Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Digital Integration and Employment Connectivity

The Skill India Digital Hub serves as a unified platform that integrates skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystems to provide lifelong services to stakeholders. Through this platform, trained candidates' details are available for connecting with potential employers, providing access to jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. The National Skill Development Corporation has partnered with international organizations including AWS, Microsoft, Intel, Redhat, Pearson VUE, Boston Consulting Group, and Cisco Networking Academy for providing digital courses.