Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched PMKVY in 2015 to encourage and promote skill development in India.
About PMKVY
- Presently, PMKVY is in its fourth phase – PMKVY 4.0 and it has been made a key component of Central Sector Scheme of Skill India Programme along with two other components -
- Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), which offers financial support for apprentice stipends, and
- Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme, which offers vocational skills to non-literates, neo-literates and school dropouts.
- Three types of training under PMKVY:
- Short-Term Training (STT) - National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned courses and on-job training.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Industry-recognized certification of existing skills.
- Special Projects: Customized skill training for marginalized groups, difficult areas and specialized or future job roles.

Key Achievements of PMKVY
- Improving Access to Skill Training: Over 1.63 crore youths trained since 2015.
- Targeted Skilling: Bru-tribe (Tripura), prison inmates (in Assam and Manipur), and 70% women under PANKH project.
- Social equity and inclusion: 45% women participation and significant inclusion of SCs, STs, and OBCs.
- Future-ready Workforce: Inclusion of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, Robotics, 5G Technology, Cybersecurity, Drones, Green Hydrogen etc.
- Promotion of Traditional Crafts: Upskilling projects for artisans and weavers in Nagaland and J&K.