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Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) — free skill training + certification (2026)
Free 200-600 hour skill training + government certification + Rs 8,000 post-training assistance.
Launched: 2015 · Issued by: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Who is eligible
- Indian citizen, age 15-45 (varies by scheme)
- Currently unemployed OR underemployed
- Aadhaar + bank account
- 8th-12th class education (varies by trade)
What you get
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.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Find empanelled training center — pmkvyofficial.org → search by trade + city.
- Submit application — Online or at center — Aadhaar + photo + qualification.
- Counselling + selection — Center assesses fit for trade.
- Free training (200-600 hours) — Practical + theory; stipend during.
- Assessment + certification — NSQF-recognised cert.
- Placement assistance — Center connects to employers; Rs 8,000 post-placement support.
Documents needed
- Aadhaar
- 10th/12th certificate
- Bank account
- Caste cert (if applicable for fee waiver)
Timeline
Course duration: 200-600 hours over 1-3 months. Placement: 30 days post-cert.
Portal + helpline
- Official portal: pmkvyofficial.org
- Helpline: PMKVY: 1800-123-9626
Common issues
- 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.
Benefit delayed or rejected? File an RTI
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
Frequently asked questions
Is training free?
Yes — full free + stipend during training.
Will I get a job?
Placement assistance provided. Cert is recognised but employers decide.
Can I do multiple trades?
Yes — sequentially. Each adds to skill profile.
Stipend stuck > 30 days?
File RTI to NSDC + State Skill Mission.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: Free 200-600 hour skill training + government certification + Rs 8,000 post-training assistance. Apply at pmkvyofficial.org. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
- Apply now: pmkvyofficial.org
- If delayed — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Browse all 150 yojanas: Sarkari Yojana index
Related
Sources
- 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.

