Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) — free skill training + certification (2026)

• Indian citizen, age 15-45 (varies by scheme)
• Currently unemployed OR underemployed
• Aadhaar + bank account
• 8th-12th class education (varies by trade)

Free training in 250+ trades (carpentry, electrician, beautician, retail, hospitality, healthcare, IT, etc.). Government-recognised certification (NSQF-aligned). Stipend of Rs 1,500-3,000/month during training. Rs 8,000 placement assistance. Free hostel for women trainees.

1. Find empanelled training center — pmkvyofficial.org → search by trade + city.
2. Submit application — Online or at center — Aadhaar + photo + qualification.
3. Counselling + selection — Center assesses fit for trade.
4. Free training (200-600 hours) — Practical + theory; stipend during.
5. Assessment + certification — NSQF-recognised cert.
6. Placement assistance — Center connects to employers; Rs 8,000 post-placement support.

• Aadhaar
• 10th/12th certificate
• Bank account
• Caste cert (if applicable for fee waiver)

Course duration: 200-600 hours over 1-3 months. Placement: 30 days post-cert.

• Official portal: pmkvyofficial.org
• Helpline: PMKVY: 1800-123-9626

• Center not empanelled — verify on official portal first.
• Trade not available locally — relocate or wait for next batch.
• Stipend not credited — Aadhaar-bank linkage issue.
• Placement weak — center rating matters; choose top-rated.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

More schemes for you: All students schemes

Yes — full free + stipend during training.

Placement assistance provided. Cert is recognised but employers decide.

Yes — sequentially. Each adds to skill profile.

File RTI to NSDC + State Skill Mission.

• All 150 Sarkari Yojanas
• 25 status-check guides
• 30 documents-required checklists
• 25 how-to-apply guides
• 16 rejection-recovery guides
• 10 audience-hub schemes
• 32 helplines + grievance routes
• Full RTI Playbook

• Official portal: pmkvyofficial.org
• Issued by: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
• Launched: 2015
• Citizen feedback via %%AwaazRTI%% (composite, identifying details removed)

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.