Under the Government of India’s Skill India Mission (SIM), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) delivers skill, re-skill and up-skill training through an extensive network of skill development centres/institutes, etc. under various schemes, viz. 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), to all the sections of the society across the country. The SIM aims at enabling the youth of India to get future-ready and equipped with industry-relevant skills including emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, green energy, semiconductors, logistics and tourism.

Funds under PMKVY are released to implementing agencies for meeting the training cost as per prescribed norms. Under the JSS scheme, funds are released to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) directly. Under NAPS, stipend support up to Rs 1500/- per month is released to apprentices through DBT and not to establishments covered. Day to day administration as well as financial control in respect of ITIs lies with the respective State Government/ UT Administration.

The details of funds released under schemes of MSDE, year-wise, during the last five years, are as under:

Figures in Rs. Crores)

Amongst the schemes of MSDE, under PMKVY, placements were tracked in the Short-Term Training (STT) component in the first three versions of the Scheme - PMKVY 1.0, PMKVY 2.0 and PMKVY 3.0, implemented from FY2015-16 to FY 2021-22, wherein a total of 1.11 Crore candidates were certified, out of which 24.38 lakhs were reported placed under the short-term training component of the scheme. Further, under PMKVY 4.0, the focus is to empower the trained candidates to choose their varied career paths, and they are suitably oriented for the same.

The details of number of candidates trained and certified, State-wise/UT-wise under various schemes of MSDE, during the last five years, are given at Annexure.

The impact of schemes for skill development has been assessed through their third-party independent evaluation as follows:

PMKVY: An independent third-party impact evaluation of the PMKVY 4.0 has been conducted by Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM), an autonomous Institution of Ministry of Finance, Government of India. As per the report, PMKVY training has contributed to a measurable shift in employment outcomes for STT candidates. 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 show positive movement, with 41.4% of STT candidates and 48.9% of RPL candidates reporting an increase in income following training and certification. Overall, PMKVY 4.0 has significantly expanded access to formal skill training and certification and has generated measurable improvements in skill confidence, employment participation, and income outcomes for a substantial proportion of beneficiaries.

JSS: A third-party evaluation of the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme was conducted by the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management, an autonomous Institution of Ministry of Finance, Government of India, in 2025 to assess the scheme’s outreach, effectiveness and livelihood outcomes. The evaluation highlighted significant achievements of the scheme, with 33.94 lakh individuals enrolled, of whom 32 lakh were trained and 31.52 lakh certified, reflecting an overall success rate of 99 percent. Women constituted a dominant 82 percent share of total participants, while 73 percent beneficiaries belonged to marginalized sections, including SC/ST (36 percent) and OBC (37 percent). The livelihood impact has been noteworthy, with 90 percent alumni utilising acquired skills for income generation, 82 percent becoming economically engaged within six months of training, and 60 percent of previously non-earning individuals starting to earn post-training. The average monthly income of beneficiaries recorded a four-fold increase.

NAPS: A third-party evaluation study of Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PMNAPS-2) from FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 (Data upto 30^th November 2025) was conducted by the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM), an autonomous Institution of Ministry of Finance, Government of India. As per the report, PMNAPS 2 achieved significant scale during the evaluation period, engaging 34.69 lakh apprentices against a cumulative target of 46 lakh, translating into an overall achievement of approximately 75 percent. The institutionalisation of DBT has improved financial transparency and predictability. Cumulative DBT disbursement exceeded ₹1,094 crore, with annual disbursement rising from ₹327.2 crore in FY 2023–24 to ₹500.16 crore in FY 2024–25.

To improve employability and promote entrepreneurship in emerging sectors and new age future skills including Artificial Intelligence, Green energy, Semiconductors, Logistics and Tourism, MSDE has undertaken the following initiatives:

(i)      Under PMKVY 4.0, the dedicated job roles under "Future Skills" category has been introduced with an aim of preparing youth for opportunities in new and emerging technologies. Government has rolled out skill enhancement initiatives in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Green energy, Semiconductors, Logistics and Tourism across schools and higher-education institutions nationwide. This enhances acceptability among employers. Additionally, industry partnerships at the implementation level help shape curriculum, support placements, and ensure the relevance of skills imparted to current market needs.

(ii)     Apprenticeship training is imparted under 266 designated trade and over 750 Optional trades including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.

(iii)    Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the aegis of MSDE has introduced new age/future skills courses under CTS in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) to provide digital training in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity, Semiconductor, etc.

(iv)    With a view to adopt the best practices in the digital skill training, DGT has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading IT tech companies like IBM, CISCO, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft. These partnerships facilitate the provision of technical and professional skills training in modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Block chain, Cloud Computing, etc.

(v)     DGT has collaborated with entities including IBM India, Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe India, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), Edunet Foundation, Auto Desk etc, for skilling initiatives under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). These partnerships facilitate the provision of technical and professional skill training in modern technologies. A module on ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Duration: 7.5 Hours’ has been introduced in the subject of Employability Skills underthe trades of CTS.

(vi)    MSDE has launched the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), a unified digital platform aimed at enhancing skill development in youths across the country by providing access to industry-relevant courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support. It offers a diverse selection of AI and Machine Learning (ML) courses—ranging from introductory programs like Fundamentals of Azure AI Speech and Machine Learning to advanced modules such as Google Cloud Generative AI and AI Strategy to Create Business Value in Healthcare—designed to support learners at all proficiency levels and prepare them to thrive in the fast-changing technology landscape.

(vii)   The National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET) has developed the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skilling Framework, which outlines the national roadmap, structure and guidelines for skilling in AI, data science and emerging technologies serves as the foundational document for developing standardised, industry-aligned courses and curricula.

(viii) National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of MSDE has partnered with a number of international organizations such as AWS, Microsoft, Intel, Redhat, Pearson VUE, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Cisco Networking Academy for providing digital courses.

(ix)    MSDE launched a national-level initiative, SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), aimed at embedding AI awareness and foundational skills among school students (Classes 6–12) and building AI literacy among educators. The programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to AI education across geographies, thereby supporting the national agenda of inclusive, future-ready skilling.

(x)     PMKVY 4.0 courses enabling global digital job participation include AI/ML Foundation & Advanced, Robotic Process Automation, Drone Pilot Technician, Industrial IoT and Data Analytics. Through FutureSkills job roles under the PMKVY framework, Skill India Digital Hub provides global job matching; Rojgar Melas and placements ensure employment linkages. NSQF Level 5-7 certifications ensure global portability of PMKVY qualifications.

(c):       The broad monitoring and assessment mechanism of the schemes of MSDE is as follows:

PMKVY:-Under PMKVY, a robust, multi-layered monitoring and impact assessment framework is followed under PMKVY. All candidates, training providers, and employment outcomes are tracked on a digital platform (SIDH). Periodic third-party assessments, and employer feedback shape ongoing improvement. Continuous data analytics and reporting facilitate adaptive decision-making and evidence-driven scaling of emerging technology skilling initiatives.

The training centres are mandated to install an Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system (AEBAS) machine to keep track of candidates’ attendance for the training. To ensure compliance, the payment to the training centres has been linked to attendance. Concurrent Monitoring of training centres and candidate skilling lifecycle progress by using the monitoring tools, such as Call Validation, Surprise Centre Visits, Virtual Verification, Outcome outcome-based payment to training centres is also put in place.

NAPS:- Under NAPS, a National Steering Committee (NSC) and a Scheme Monitoring and Review Committee (SMRC) have been established at the central level to monitor the scheme. Similarly, State Implementation Review Committees (SIRCs) have been constituted at the State/UT level.

JSS:- MSDE monitors the implementation of the Scheme through periodic review meetings and field visits. The scheme implementation is also monitored through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal. At the State level, the monitoring and supervision of the JSSs is done by the Regional Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs). The RDSDE officials periodically visit and inspect the JSS under their jurisdiction for effective monitoring. A 16-member committee known as Board of Management (BoM) has been established in each JSS, which periodically reviews the programmes implemented by the JSS.

CTS:- DGT periodically reviews the affiliation standards and norms for ITIs to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. The curriculum of courses under the CTS is also updated regularly in consultation with industry partners, to incorporate the latest technological advancements and evolving skill requirements—ensuring that the training remains aligned with market demand. Further, the respective State Governments, in coordination with the Central Government, conduct periodic joint inspections of ITIs, which ensures standards in infrastructure, faculty qualifications, curriculum implementation, and training delivery in ITIs are up to date.