Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Objectives, Eligibility, Features

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship skill development initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015. The program aims to provide industry-relevant skill training to millions of young people across the country so they can find better jobs and build sustainable livelihoods. It is implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with support from various partners.

What Is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana?

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana was designed to upskill and reskill India’s youth in multiple sectors. The goal is to make them job-ready through hands-on training, certification, and industry-standard skill development. Since its launch, the scheme has undergone multiple phases to expand its reach and impact.

History of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

The scheme started in July 2015 as PMKVY 1.0. Its initial target was to train around 50 million youth by 2020 while offering them certifications and financial incentives to encourage skill learning. This phase laid the foundation for a structured approach to vocational training in India.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 2.0

Building on the success of PMKVY 1.0, the government launched PMKVY 2.0 in 2016. This phase supported national initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat. Its goal was to train and certify 10 million youth by 2020, with special focus on school dropouts. PMKVY 2.0 also offered financial assistance for new skill centers (greenfield projects), improved internships, and enhanced training for trainers.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0

PMKVY 3.0 was introduced with the aim of training and certifying 15–20 million youth by 2022. This phase emphasizes advanced and new-age skills such as Business Intelligence (BI), robotics, and 3D printing. It features the Kaushal Daksh portal for maintaining a skilled workforce database and focuses on strengthening the infrastructure of training centers (Kaushal Kendras). PMKVY 3.0 also supports short-term training courses and invests in innovation and research for continuous skill development.

Also Check: States and Capitals of India, 28 States and 8 UTs in India

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a government-run skill certification program aimed at motivating Indian youth to take up industry-standard skill training. The core objective is to improve their job readiness and help them earn a sustainable livelihood.

This scheme is especially designed for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or have dropped out of school or college. PMKVY opens up opportunities for such individuals by offering them certified skill training that aligns with market needs.

Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component, individuals who already possess skills, whether gained informally or through experience, can get certified and recognized.

The government aims to train nearly 20 million young people under this initiative, equipping them with practical skills to support themselves and contribute to the economy.

Anyone between the ages of 15 and 29 years can apply, with the program giving special focus to school/college dropouts and those who are currently unemployed.

Eligibility Criteria for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

To enrol in the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Limit: Most training programs under PMKVY are open to candidates between 14 and 35 years of age.

• Citizenship: Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.

• Education Level: The scheme welcomes applicants from all educational backgrounds, including those who haven’t completed formal education.

• Employment Status: Preference is given to those who are unemployed or underemployed, in order to improve their career prospects.

• Aadhar Card: A valid Aadhar card is generally required for registration and verification under PMKVY.

Features of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) offers several key features that make it an effective skill development program for India’s youth:

• Industry-Relevant Training: The curriculum is designed with input from industry experts to ensure that training is up-to-date and matches current market demands.

• Short-Term Courses: Participants can learn new skills quickly through focused, short-term training modules.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Individuals with existing skills can get certified without repeating the same training, making their skills officially recognized.

• Placement Support: The scheme aims to assist trained candidates in finding suitable job opportunities after completing their courses.

Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

Enrolling in the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana offers multiple benefits to young people looking to improve their employability:

• StepUp Mentorship: Guidance and mentorship are provided to help learners choose the right skills and career paths.

• Comprehensive Training: Courses cover both theoretical knowledge and hands-on technical skills for better understanding.

• Skill Certification: Participants’ skills are assessed and certified, boosting their credibility in the job market.

• Rozgar Melas: Special job fairs give youth valuable exposure to employers and hiring opportunities.

• Placement Opportunities: Helping candidates find jobs after training is a core objective of the scheme.

• Monitored Training: Training quality is ensured through regular supervision by higher authorities and monitoring systems.

Implementation Process of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

The implementation of PMKVY involves several coordinated steps and key partners to ensure effective delivery:

• Multi-Stakeholder Participation: Various government bodies, training partners, and industry representatives work together to deliver skill training to youth.

• Registration of Training Partners: Organizations interested in offering training can register on the SMART portal to become affiliated training centers.

• Sector Skill Councils: These councils oversee training execution at the ground level, ensuring quality and relevance in their respective sectors.

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): The NSDC is the central agency responsible for planning, funding, and executing the training programs under PMKVY.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana FAQs