The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has sent a 30-member Indian contingent to participate in the Global Skills Challenge 2026 in Australia, serving as a preparatory event for the upcoming WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. The team comprises 15 competitors and 15 experts who will represent India in the international skills simulation event scheduled from June 23 to 29, 2026.
The Global Skills Challenge, organized by WorldSkills Australia, is designed as a full-scale international simulation of the WorldSkills Competition that replicates actual competition conditions using the internationally recognized Competition Information System (CIS) for marking and assessment. The event expects participation from nearly 600 competitors, experts, translators, and officials from WorldSkills Member Nations, providing valuable exposure to international standards, emerging technologies, and global best practices.
India will compete across 15 specific skill categories: 3D Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Automobile Technology, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Cloud Computing, Floristry, Graphic Design Technology, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Industrial Mechanics, Painting and Decorating, Restaurant Service, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Web Technologies. These disciplines represent a diverse mix of advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, creative industries, construction trades, and service-sector skills.
MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee emphasized that the event represents an important opportunity for Team India to gain international experience and sharpen their skills ahead of the main competition. National Skill Development Corporation CEO Arunkumar Pillai noted that the competitors earned their place through a grueling and highly competitive selection process. Senior officials including Manisha Sensarma (Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE) and Hena Usman (Joint Secretary, MSDE) were present at the send-off ceremony.
The participation reinforces the broader vision of the Skill India Mission to prepare a future-ready workforce and strengthen India's position in the global skills ecosystem through structured training, expert mentoring, and industry partnerships.