PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) gives free, short skill-training courses with a government certificate, so young people can get jobs or start working on their own. Anyone aged 15 to 59 can join.
What is PMKVY?
PMKVY is the Government of India's flagship skill-training scheme, run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The current version, PMKVY 4.0, is part of the Skill India Programme, together with apprenticeships (PM-NAPS) and Jan Shikshan Sansthans. Over 20 lakh people were trained under PMKVY in 2024-25, and the Skill India Programme has ₹2,800 crore in the 2026-27 budget.
What you get
- Free short-term training in job-ready skills, with on-the-job training built into many courses.
- A government-recognised certificate (NSQF-aligned, QR-coded and digital) after you pass the assessment.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): if you already have skills, for example as an electrician or tailor, you can get them assessed and certified.
- Guidance on jobs, apprenticeships or self-employment after training.
Popular course areas
- Electronics, mobile repair, electrician, plumbing
- IT, data entry, digital skills
- Retail, logistics, hospitality, beauty and wellness
- Healthcare support, tailoring and apparel
- New areas like drones, solar, AI and EV technology
Who can join?
- Indian citizens aged 15 to 59.
- School or college dropouts, unemployed youth and people who want to reskill can all join.
- Aadhaar is needed for eKYC. Attendance is recorded with face authentication.
How to join
- Go to the Skill India Digital Hub and register with your mobile number and Aadhaar.
- Search for courses and training centres near you.
- Enrol in a batch at an accredited centre. Training is free under PMKVY.
- Attend classes, complete the assessment and download your digital certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is PMKVY training free?
Yes. Training under PMKVY is free, and you get a government-recognised certificate after passing the assessment.
What is the age limit for PMKVY?
15 to 59 years.
How do I find a PMKVY training centre near me?
Register on the Skill India Digital Hub (skillindiadigital.gov.in) and search for courses and centres in your area.
Does PMKVY give a job?
PMKVY gives skills and a certificate, and helps connect you to jobs and apprenticeships, but a job is not guaranteed.
I already know a skill. Can I get certified?
Yes. Under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), your existing skills can be assessed and certified.
Sources
- PIB: Restructuring of the Skill India Programme (Feb 2026)
- PIB: 10 years of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
- MSDE: PMKVY 4.0 guidelines (PDF)