India’s premier platform for celebrating excellence in skills, the IndiaSkills National Competition 2025–26, concluded today at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the competition marked a defining milestone in India’s journey towards building a globally competitive, future-ready workforce. Bringing together over 650 top-performing participants across 63 skill categories, the national competition showcased the highest standards of technical proficiency, innovation, and discipline.

At the closing ceremony, 288 outstanding performers were awarded medals — including Gold (63), Silver (64), Bronze (68), and Medallions for Excellence (93) — across diverse skill domains, ranging from cloud computing, electronics, CNC machining, mobile app development and web technologies to hospitality, beauty therapy, floristry, fashion technology and welding. This includes 45 women winners, showcasing women’s strong inclination towards skilling.  Odisha (57) recorded the highest number of medals, followed by Tamil Nadu (46).

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, said, “IndiaSkills is a powerful reflection of India’s evolving identity as a nation that values skills as much as knowledge. It showcases the spirit of a young India that is ready to learn, adapt, and compete on the global stage. In a world where success is momentary and change is constant, the real strength lies in staying agile, continuously upgrading oneself, and embracing new opportunities with confidence. Education provides the foundation and skills give it purpose and direction. When both come together, they unlock individual potential and drive national progress. This belief is backed by unprecedented investments, ₹84,000 crore in education and ₹60,000 crore to strengthen institutions like ITIs, signalling a transformative shift in how we prepare our youth for the future.”

“IndiaSkills also represents a collective effort of government, industry, and society, working together to turn policy into real impact on the ground. It is here that young minds experience global standards, face real pressure, and build the confidence needed to excel beyond borders. This is the moment to dream, to compete, and to move forward with courage, because the journey from India to the world begins with the skills we build today,” he added.

Minister for Labour Resources and Migrant Workers Welfare Department and Youth, Employment and Skill Development Department, Government of Bihar, Shri Sanjay Singh Tiger, said, “IndiaSkills Competition represents an ecosystem where ambition meets opportunity and learning transforms into purpose. It reflects a rising India that believes in its youth and their ability to shape their own future. From states like Bihar, where efforts are being made to take skill development to every village and connect youth with real opportunities, a strong foundation is being built for inclusive growth. As the world evolves, our young minds are not just seeking jobs; they are creating possibilities and defining their own identities, driving a stronger, self-reliant India forward.”

Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, said, “Skill must become a way of life, shaping how we think, work, and grow every day. Platforms like IndiaSkills reflect this national commitment, where talent meets opportunity and aspirations find direction. As India moves towards becoming the skill capital of the world, the focus must remain on empowering every village, every youth, and every aspiring mind. In Maharashtra, we are translating this vision into action through stronger institutions and expanded opportunities across urban and rural regions.”

Minister, Industries & Commerce; Youth Affairs & Sports; Skills, Planning and Entrepreneurship; IT & Communications; Soldier Welfare, Government of Rajasthan, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, said, “Skill is a powerful expression of inner potential, shaped by curiosity, courage, and determination. Platforms like IndiaSkills Competition celebrate this spirit, where every participant stands as a champion of effort and growth. In Rajasthan, we are strengthening this vision by promoting skill development across sectors and empowering youth with practical capabilities and confidence. Today, true progress lies in continuously learning, adapting, and applying skills with discipline. As young Indians step onto global platforms, they not only showcase excellence but also carry our culture, values, and identity with pride. With every skill mastered, they build a stronger, more resilient India ready to lead the world.”

Minister of State (Independent Charge), Vocational Education and Skill Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Kapil Dev Agarwal, said, “From classrooms to global worksites, Indian youth are proving that skill is the strongest foundation for progress and prosperity. Through transformative platforms like the IndiaSkills Competition and initiatives such as Project Praveen in UP, we are not just training hands; we are nurturing confidence, capability, and self-reliance. Every young individual empowered with skill becomes a catalyst for change, contributing to families, communities, and the nation at large. When our youth step forward with pride and purpose, they carry not only their personal aspirations but also the identity, resilience, and ambition of a New India that is ready to lead, compete, and excel on the global stage.”

Minister of State, Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship, Government of Haryana, Shri Gaurav Gautam, said, “IndiaSkills Competition reflects the energy, determination, and limitless potential of India’s youth, who are ready to rise, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing world. As new opportunities emerge across technology and industry, our young minds are not just preparing for jobs; they are creating possibilities. Through continuous skilling, practical learning, and forward-looking initiatives, we are empowering a generation that is self-reliant, future-ready, and capable of driving India’s growth with courage, creativity, and conviction.”

Shri Arunkumar Pillai, CEO, NSDC, said, “From modest homes in villages to the grandest global stages, the journey of India’s youth proves that skill, perseverance, and belief can transform curiosity into excellence. At the IndiaSkills Competition, these stories come alive, not as rare exceptions, but as powerful reflections of a rising nation. Through dedication and the right support, young Indians are breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. Skills are no longer just a means of livelihood; they are a source of dignity, confidence, and national pride, shaping an India that is resilient, aspirational, and ready to lead on the global stage.”

The declaration of winners and medalists across multiple skill categories marked a significant moment of recognition, celebrating excellence across both traditional trades and emerging technologies. Participants were evaluated by industry experts on parameters aligned with global standards, including precision, creativity, efficiency, and quality.

With participation from over 3.65 lakh youth across 36 States and Union Territories in this cycle, the IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26 has reinforced the growing aspiration among India’s youth to pursue skills as a pathway to success. The winners of the national competition will go on to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026, carrying forward the nation’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for skilled talent.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of WorldSkills Asia 2025 winners, including competitors and experts, who have contributed to strengthening India’s presence at the global level. Glovatrix India, an Indian startup building AI gloves to help speech impaired communicate effectively, was also honoured for receiving the “BeChangeMaker 2025” recognition from WorldSkills International for their innovative approach to improving accessibility for deaf people, reflecting innovation and leadership in the skilling ecosystem.

IndiaSkills Competition showcases an extraordinary spectrum of skills. Some of these skills are widely recognised—such as Electrical Installation, Electronics, Web Technologies, and Cloud Computing. Additionally, many others represent emerging and highly specialised careers shaping the industries of tomorrow, such as Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, Cyber Security, Industry 4.0, Optoelectronic Technology, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Digital Construction, Logistics and Freight Forwarding, and Chemical Laboratory Technology.

The strength of IndiaSkills lies in its collaborative ecosystem, bringing together the Central and State Governments, Sector Skill Councils, academic institutions, and industry partners to ensure strong alignment with real-world requirements. In the current cycle, over a dozen Sector Skill Councils are supporting competitions across key sectors such as automotive, electronics, IT–ITeS, construction, retail, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare, with active participation from more than 200 leading industry partners, including Toyota Kirloskar, Maruti Suzuki, JK Cement, and Lincoln Electric, ensuring that tasks and assessments closely mirror industry standards.

The closing ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Manoj Kumar Meena, IAS, Secretary, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Pulkit Khare, IAS Mission Director, UPSDM; Shri Manish Shanker, Mission Firector, Bihar Skill Development Mission; Shri Rajeev Ranjan, Principal Secretary for Youth Employment Department, Government of Haryana; Dr. M. S. Lakshmi Priya, IAS, MD, ASDM; Smt Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO, World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar; Ms. Manisha Sensarma, IES, Senior Economic Adviser, MSDE; Smt. Shivakantamma Naik, Chairperson, KSDC; Shri Siddalingappa Pujari, MD, GTTC; Shri Sanjib Kumar Rout, Founder & President, C.V. Raman Global University;  Shri Prashant Sinha, COO, NSDC; Shri Rajesh Swaika, CFO, NSDC; Shri Alok B Shriram, Board Member, NSDC; Shri Jagdish Mitra, Board Member, NSDC; Shri Nitin Kapoor, VP, NSDC; Shri Mahendra Singh Payaal, EVP, NSDC; Shri Sanjeeva Singh, EVP, NSDC; along with senior officials from the Ministry and NSDC, industry leaders, and partners from academia and the skilling ecosystem. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit driving India’s skilling ecosystem.

Aligned with national priorities such as Skill India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat, the successful conclusion of IndiaSkills 2025–26 reflects the continued commitment of MSDE to build a robust, inclusive, and future-oriented skilling ecosystem.

 

Top 10 Performing States

SNo	Member	No. of Competitors	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Medallion for Excellence	Total
1	Odisha	92	15	12	15	15	57
2	Tamil Nadu	67	12	7	15	12	46
3	Karnataka	53	10	6	6	7	29
4	Maharashtra	54	4	8	5	5	22
5	Gujarat	38	2	3	2	5	12
6	Haryana	29	2	2	1	7	12
7	Uttar Pradesh	27	4	2	3	3	12
8	Delhi	27	0	5	1	5	11
9	Telangana	14	3	2	1	3	9
10	Bihar	16	3	2	3	0	8

 

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