PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Courses List, Apply Online, and UPSC Facts in 2025
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the Government of India's flagship skill training scheme under the Skill India Mission, providing free short-term skill training and NSQF-aligned certification to youth in 300+ courses across sectors including electronics, construction, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and IT. Administered by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), PMKVY is currently in its 4th iteration, PMKVY 4.0, which integrates on-job training, industry-linked apprenticeships, and digital skill components. Training and registration are at skillindia.gov.in.
What is PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was first launched on 16 July 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as the flagship scheme of the Skill India Mission. The scheme addresses the skill gap in India's workforce by providing free, short-duration skill training to school dropouts, Class 10 and 12 pass-outs, and unemployed youth, with industry-recognised certification upon assessment.
PMKVY has gone through four iterations: PMKVY 1.0 (2015–16), PMKVY 2.0 (2016–20), PMKVY 3.0 (2020–21), and the current PMKVY 4.0 (2022–26). Each iteration has refined the scheme, PMKVY 3.0 introduced a district-level approach, and PMKVY 4.0 places emphasis on on-the-job training (OJT), industry collaboration, and new-age skills including AI, robotics, drone operation, and green energy. Training is delivered through Training Partners (TPs) at Physical Training Centres and through the Skill India Digital platform for online courses.
PMKVY 4.0, Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme period | 2022–2026 |
| Target | Skill 40 lakh youth over 4 years |
| Training type | Short-term training (STT) + Upskilling/Reskilling + On-the-Job Training (OJT) |
| New-age skills | AI, ML, robotics, drone operation, coding, green energy, IoT |
| Industry collaboration | Training partners must have industry linkages; OJT integrated into curriculum |
| Digital delivery | Online and blended courses through Skill India Digital hub |
| Certification | NSQF-aligned, issued by Sector Skill Councils under NSDC |
| Cost to trainee | Free, no tuition fee for government-funded seats |
| Stipend | Daily stipend during training (varies by course and location) |
Key Benefits of PMKVY
| Benefit Type | Amount / Description | Applicable Category |
|---|---|---|
| Free skill training | No tuition fee for government-funded PMKVY seats | All eligible trainees |
| NSQF-aligned certification | National recognition across industries; issued by Sector Skill Councils | All certified trainees |
| Training stipend | Daily stipend to offset travel/food costs during training (amount varies by sector) | Enrolled trainees |
| Reward for RPL | Cash reward for Recognition of Prior Learning, existing skills certified without full training | Informal sector workers |
| Placement assistance | NSDC and training partners support job placement post-certification | Certified trainees |
| On-the-job training (OJT) | Industry-embedded training in PMKVY 4.0, learn while earning | OJT-stream trainees |
PMKVY Courses List, Sector-Wise
PMKVY covers 300+ courses (Job Roles) across sectors aligned to the National Occupational Standards (NOS). Major sectors include:
| Sector | Sample Job Roles |
|---|---|
| Electronics and Hardware | Solar Panel Installation Technician, CCTV Technician, Mobile Phone Hardware Repair |
| Construction | Bar Bender and Steel Fixer, Mason General, Plumber General |
| Healthcare | General Duty Assistant, Home Health Aide, Dental Technician |
| Retail | Retail Sales Associate, Cashier, Visual Merchandiser |
| Hospitality and Tourism | F&B Service Associate, Housekeeping Attendant, Travel Consultant |
| IT and ITeS | Customer Care Executive, Data Entry Operator, Domestic IT Helpdesk Attendant |
| Automotive | Automotive Service Technician (2W), Automotive Technician (4W), EV Technician |
| Agriculture | Organic Farming Technician, Greenhouse Operator, Beekeeping Technician |
| Textile and Apparel | Sewing Machine Operator, Weaver, Fashion Design Assistant |
| Beauty and Wellness | Beauty Therapist, Salon Manager, Spa Therapist |
| New Age Skills (4.0) | Drone Pilot, AI Prompt Engineer, Green Energy Technician, Coding and Programming |
Full updated course list at skillindia.gov.in → Course Search.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Age | 15–45 years (varies by course, some trades have specific age bands) |
| Educational qualification | Varies by course, Class 5 to Class 12 pass; some courses require no formal education |
| Employment status | Unemployed, underemployed, or school/college dropout, all eligible |
| Income | No income ceiling |
| Previous PMKVY training | Can apply for a different job role; cannot repeat the same job role under a new funded seat |
| Aadhaar | Mandatory for registration |
Eligibility is subject to revision. Verify at skillindia.gov.in before applying.
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Mandatory for registration and certification |
| Educational certificates | Eligibility verification for the chosen course |
| Passport-size photographs | Training centre ID card |
| Bank account passbook (Aadhaar-linked) | For stipend credit |
| Mobile number linked to Aadhaar | For OTP verification |
| Caste certificate | For SC/ST/OBC priority in some states |
How to Apply for PMKVY Online
- Visit skillindia.gov.in → Find a Course / Training Centre
- Register with your Aadhaar number and mobile OTP
- Select your preferred sector and job role from the course search
- Filter by your district or state to find available funded seats at nearby training centres
- Apply for the course, receive an enrolment confirmation on your registered mobile
- Report to the training centre on the notified start date with original documents
- Complete the training, typically 150–300 hours over 1–3 months
- Appear for the assessment conducted by the Sector Skill Council
- Receive your PMKVY certificate within 30–45 days of passing assessment
- Access placement support through NSDC's industry network
Offline Application, via Training Centre
- Visit any PMKVY-approved Training Partner centre in your district
- Check for available funded seats (free government seats may fill up, apply early)
- Submit documents and register at the centre directly
PaisaOne does not process PMKVY applications. Apply directly at skillindia.gov.in or the nearest approved Training Partner.
How to Check PMKVY Application and Certificate Status
- Log in to skillindia.gov.in with your registered mobile number
- Navigate to My Profile → Trainings to view enrolment, assessment, and certification status
- Verify your PMKVY certificate at skillindia.gov.in → Certificate Verification using your certificate number
- PMKVY helpline: 1800-123-9626 (toll-free, Skill India)
- Grievance: pgportal.gov.in under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
PMKVY gives free certification, but premium technical courses, advanced diplomas, and professional certifications outside PMKVY often carry fees. Compare education loan and personal loan options from 30+ banks on PaisaOne to fund your next skill investment.
PMKVY, UPSC Key Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full form | Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana |
| Launch date | 16 July 2015 (PMKVY 1.0) |
| Launched under | Skill India Mission, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Implementing body | National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) via Sector Skill Councils and Training Partners |
| Certification body | Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) under NSDC |
| Certification framework | National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) |
| Current version | PMKVY 4.0 (2022–26) |
| PMKVY 1.0 target | 24 lakh youth (2015–16) |
| PMKVY 2.0 target | 1 crore youth (2016–20) |
| PMKVY 3.0 | District-level implementation; COVID-19 impacted |
| PMKVY 4.0 focus | On-the-job training (OJT), new-age skills (AI, drones, green energy), industry collaboration |
| RPL component | Recognition of Prior Learning, informal workers certified without full training |
| Portal | skillindia.gov.in |
| Number of sectors covered | 37+ sectors |
| Job roles covered | 300+ |
PMKVY Versions Comparison
| Version | Period | Target | Key Addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMKVY 1.0 | 2015–16 | 24 lakh | Launched scheme; short-term training + certification |
| PMKVY 2.0 | 2016–20 | 1 crore | RPL component; long-term training; expanded sectors |
| PMKVY 3.0 | 2020–21 | 8 lakh | District-level approach; COVID-related new courses; state component introduced |
| PMKVY 4.0 | 2022–26 | 40 lakh | OJT integration; new-age skills; Skill India Digital; international skilling |
State-Wise PMKVY Implementation
| State | Key Implementing Bodies | Notable Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Skill Development Mission + NSDC TPs | Garment, electronics, construction, healthcare |
| Maharashtra | MSSDS + NSDC TPs | Automotive, IT/ITeS, retail, hospitality |
| Rajasthan | RSLDC + NSDC TPs | Handicraft, construction, beauty and wellness, tourism |
| Tamil Nadu | TNSDC + NSDC TPs | Textiles, IT, healthcare, automotive |
| Karnataka | KSDCL + NSDC TPs | IT, electronics, manufacturing, green energy |
| West Bengal | WBSCT&VE&SD + NSDC TPs | Jute, leather, construction, retail |
| Bihar | Bihar Skill Development Mission + NSDC TPs | Construction, agriculture, IT/ITeS, healthcare |
| Gujarat | GSDC + NSDC TPs | Diamond, chemicals, manufacturing, agriculture |
| Andhra Pradesh | AP SSC + NSDC TPs | Agriculture, construction, healthcare, EV technician |
| Odisha | OSDA + NSDC TPs | Mining, hospitality, agriculture, construction |
What is PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and who is it for? Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is India's flagship free skill training scheme under the Skill India Mission, launched on 16 July 2015 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Currently in its 4th iteration (PMKVY 4.0, 2022–26), the scheme provides free, short-duration training in 300+ job roles across 37+ sectors to Indian youth aged 15–45. Training is delivered by NSDC-approved Training Partners and certified by Sector Skill Councils under the NSQF framework.
What are the main benefits of PMKVY? PMKVY provides free skill training, no tuition fee for government-funded seats, along with a daily stipend during training, NSQF-aligned certification by Sector Skill Councils, and post-training placement support. PMKVY 4.0 adds on-the-job training (OJT), new-age skill courses (AI, drone operation, EV technology, green energy), and digital delivery through the Skill India Digital hub. Informal sector workers can get certified through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route without completing full training.
Who is eligible for PMKVY? Indian citizens aged 15–45 who are unemployed, underemployed, or school/college dropouts are eligible. Educational qualification requirements vary by course, some require Class 5 pass, others Class 10 or 12. There is no income ceiling. Aadhaar is mandatory. Candidates who have previously completed PMKVY training in a different job role can apply for a new government-funded seat. The same job role cannot be repeated under a new funded seat.
How do I apply for PMKVY and find courses near me? Visit skillindia.gov.in, register with your Aadhaar and OTP, and use the Course Search tool to find available funded seats in your preferred sector and district. Apply online and report to the training centre with original documents. Alternatively, walk into any NSDC-approved Training Partner centre in your district to check for available funded seats and register directly. Call 1800-123-9626 for helpline support.
