Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was launched on 15th July 2015 to accelerate skill development by offering free, short-duration training and cash incentives for certified youth. The scheme’s twin goals are simple: make industry-ready talent available, and improve employability across the country. To encourage certification, every candidate who clears the assessment receives a reward of ₹500. 

After a successful pilot in 2015-16, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana was scaled up as PMKVY 2016-20. This widened its sectoral reach and geographic footprint while aligning with national initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India and Swachh Bharat. Placement outcomes were tracked under the Short Term Training (STT) component through PMKVY 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 (FY 2015-16 to FY 2021-22). Cumulatively, STT-certified candidates reported a placement rate of 42.8% up to PMKVY 3.0. 

Now, PMKVY has evolved with changing needs. PMKVY 4.0 shifts emphasis from just training to empowering candidates to choose diverse career paths where trainees receive career orientation and guidance. The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has been introduced to weave together skilling, education, employment and entrepreneurship ecosystems, creating smoother transitions from training to opportunity. 

Key PMKVY Milestones by Phase

• PMKVY 1.0 (pilot 2015-16): 19.85 lakh candidates trained. 
• PMKVY 2.0: 1.10 crore candidates trained or oriented.
• PMKVY 3.0: This introduced two special programmes to align vocational and general education under NEP 2020: 
  • Customised Crash Course Programme for COVID Warriors (CCCP-CW) 
  • Skill Hub Initiative (SHI)

Cumulatively, PMKVY 3.0 trained a total of 7.37 lakh applicants, including 1.20 lakh under CCCP-CW and 1.80 Lakh under SHI.

• PMKVY 4.0: According to Ministry data sourced from PIB, ₹1,244.52 Crores have been utilised across States/UTs between FY 2022-23 and FY 2024-25 (as of 31.12.2024). As of 11th July 2025, more than 25 lakh candidates have been trained under this phase. 

Over the past decade, PMKVY has trained in excess of 1.63 crore candidates across diverse sectors. These include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, electronics, retail and more. Thus, the scheme has made a measurable contribution to India’s skills and employability sector.

Core Operating Bodies of PMKVY

Here are the different agencies operating under PMKVY: 

• National Skill Development Authority (NSDA)

This organisation ensures the implementation of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). They also ensure the strengthening of the State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs).

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

This entity ensures the implementation of the PMKVY scheme and provides loans to skilling companies from the private sector. They also check the establishment of the Sector Skill Councils (SSC) and monitor them.

• Directorate General of Training (DGT)

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) establishes and monitors long-term vocational training institutions, which are also known as Industrial Training Institutes (IITs).

Here’s how the government aims to help the applicants through the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana: 

• Provides unemployed and dropouts with industry-based skills training to boost employability

• Provides a Skill India card and a certification that can help in job applications

• Extends placement and financial assistance to candidates who received a certificate

• Provides short-term industrial training to qualified beneficiaries

• Offers training that is aligned with industry standards

• Helps candidates find placement in different sectors to improve employability

• Provides evidence of Prior Knowledge and Recognition (RPL)

• Boosts self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities

• Provides financial rewards on completion of training to candidates

Here are the key components of the PMKVY scheme:

• Short Term Training (STT)

The Short Term Training (STT) component imparted at the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana Training Centres (TC) benefits Indian candidates who are either unemployed or school or college dropouts. The scheme provides short-term training as per the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). 

These training centres also provide training in soft skills, financial literacy, digital literacy and entrepreneurship. After successful completion of the training and assessment, candidates receive placement assistance from the training providers.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a certification component that allows Indian youth to get skill certification relevant to their industry. These training sessions enhance the employability of the candidates and help them secure a stable livelihood. 

Individuals who have prior skills or learning experience are also eligible to benefit from this scheme. Such candidates can register and get the certification under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). It primarily focuses on individuals who are working in unregulated sectors.

• Special Projects

The Special Projects aim to create a platform for training in special areas. These include government bodies, corporates or industry bodies, and special job roles that are not defined under Qualification Packs (QPs)/National Occupational Standards (NOS).  

Institutions of Central or State Government(s), autonomous and statutory bodies, and other equivalent bodies or a corporation can provide training.

• Kaushal and Rozgar Mela

The Kaushal Mela creates awareness of the scheme among suitable candidates, helping them enrol. These camps provide information about training options, career paths and income generation opportunities. Rozgar Melas are also organised online for better reach. 

•  Placement Assistance

The scheme also provides placement assistance to trained individuals. It provides wage or self-employment to certified individuals. The National Skill Development Fund (NSDC) and the Sector Skill Council (SSC) also provide support for placement assistance. Candidates who are interested in entrepreneurship can also receive support.

• Continuous Monitoring

According to the scheme guidelines, the STT, RPL and special projects are monitored continuously. This monitoring can happen on any working day as a surprise visit. The agency responsible for implementing or coordinating the monitoring process needs to submit progress reports regularly in prescribed formats.

• Standardised Branding and Communication

All training centres under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana promote their training centres as per the scheme guidelines. They also conduct promotional activities on various social media platforms. 

Here is how the PMKVY scheme works: 

• Scheme Implementation

The National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) and other bodies set up the eligibility and qualifying criteria. Training Centres (TCs) registered on the SMART portal provide short-term training. 

• Candidate Enrolment

Candidates enrol in Training Centres after meeting the required eligibility criteria. The government pays the fees for the course. 

• Relevant Training

Candidates receive short-term as well as special project training. The course and the training duration depend on the role and industry in which the candidates are interested. The PMKVY also assesses and recognises any prior skills or learnings from various channels. 

• Course Completion 

The candidates need to pass an assessment after the completion of the training. Candidates who successfully clear the assessment receive a skill card and a certification. 

• Placement 

The PMKVY scheme also provides placement assistance to candidates who pass the assessment and receive the certification. They can receive jobs in various industries and sectors. 

Check out the eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana here:

• Unemployed youth or students who have dropped out of school or college in the middle of an academic year. 

• Indian nationals with valid proof of identity, including an Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID or an active bank account. 

To apply for the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), you typically need to provide the following documents: 

• Aadhaar Card

• Bank account linked to Aadhaar

• Educational Certificates

• Passport-sized photograph

• Skill Assessment Documents
   

It's advisable to check with the nearest training center or the PMKVY official portal for the most accurate and detailed information. 

Follow these steps to apply for PMKVY online and offline:

Online Mode

• Step 1: Visit the official website of PMKVY
• Step 2: Search for a training centre and register through the website
• Step 3: After registration, enter the necessary details

After providing essential details, the training partner arranges the training. You receive awards and certification after successfully completing the training.

Offline Mode

You can register for the scheme by visiting any PM Kaushal Vikas Centres (PMKVY) Kendras. You need to carry your Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank passbook, and other documents. 

PMKVY continues to play a crucial role in expanding India’s skilled workforce by offering structured training, industry-aligned curricula and clear pathways for growth. As more candidates gain practical capabilities across sectors, the scheme supports both individual progress and broader economic development. For those aiming to convert their skills into enterprise opportunities, accessing additional support such as an online business loan could further accelerate their journey.