The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has completed 12 years of the Skill India Mission, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to build a skilled, employable, and future-ready workforce. Over the past decade, Skill India has expanded vocational training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship development, and digital skilling opportunities across the country.
According to the ministry, more than 1.64 crore candidates have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), while over 56 lakh apprentices have been engaged since 2016. The country’s skilling infrastructure has also grown substantially, with the number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) increasing from 9,776 in 2014 to 13,888 in 2026.
A major focus of Skill India has been digital transformation through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which offers over 1,000 courses in 23 languages and has registered more than 1.5 crore users. The government has also introduced specialized programs in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, with over 4.5 lakh enrollments recorded in AI-related courses.
To strengthen India’s global workforce presence, the ministry has launched Skill India International Centres and expanded international partnerships to prepare skilled workers for overseas employment opportunities. India’s performance at the WorldSkills competition has also improved significantly, rising from 29th position in 2015 to 13th in 2024.
The achievements of the last 12 years highlight the government’s commitment to empowering youth, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through a robust and inclusive skilling ecosystem.
