India’s Flagship Skilling Mission Reaches 16.4 Million Young People
India’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the central government’s flagship skill development programme, has now trained or oriented over 1.64 crore young people across the country. The update was shared in a written reply to the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B.L. Verma.
Running under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) since 2015, the scheme is designed to align youth capabilities with industry demands, thereby boosting employability. At present, the programme is being implemented in its fourth iteration, commonly referred to as PMKVY 4.0.
Training Delivered Across Key Sectors
As of 8 March 2026, PMKVY 4.0 has imparted training in several high-demand sectors. The numbers reflect steady progress in building a future-ready workforce:
- Construction: 66,982 candidates trained
- Telecom: 1,27,106 candidates trained
- Healthcare: 1,16,776 candidates trained
- Career and education counselling: 4,150 candidates trained
Together, these four core industries account for more than 3.15 lakh trained candidates, with many more expected to benefit as the programme continues to expand.
Positive Outcomes Highlighted in National Assessments
The impact of PMKVY has been reinforced by multiple independent evaluations. A NITI Aayog assessment conducted in October 2025 found that 94% of employers are willing to hire youth who have completed training under the scheme. That same report noted that around 52% of candidates either received better pay or anticipate higher earnings in the future.
Further validation comes from the Indian Institute of Public Administration, which reported that 70.5% of candidates were placed in their preferred sector. Meanwhile, research by the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management revealed that 70% of trainees experienced tangible gains in employment, skill levels, or self-confidence.
Additionally, under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component, 79% of candidates acknowledged meaningful benefits from certification, confirming the value of formal recognition for existing skills.
Inclusive Reach: Tribal Youth Benefit Too
The scheme has also made notable inroads among marginalised communities. Government data shows that more than 8 lakh young people from Scheduled Tribe (ST) backgrounds have received training under PMKVY as of 31 December 2025, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to inclusive skill development.
How PMKVY 4.0 Operates
PMKVY 4.0 has been in effect since the 2022-23 fiscal year as part of the broader Skill India mission. It operates through two primary channels: Short Term Training (STT) for fresh skilling, and RPL for certifying and upgrading pre-existing competencies. Training providers are compensated according to government-set standards, which are periodically revised to maintain quality and relevance.
The scheme continues to be a cornerstone of India’s efforts to equip its youth with the capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market, while also addressing the evolving needs of employers across sectors.
