Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

PMKVY completes 10 years, training 1.63 crore youth with a focus on industry skills, inclusion, and emerging tech under Skill India Mission.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Syllabus: Government Schemes (UPSC Prelims)

What is PMKVY?

Full Form: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Launched by: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Year of Launch: 2015, under the Skill India Mission
Aim: To equip India’s youth with industry-relevant skills, improving their employability and reducing the skill gap between education and job market needs.

Key Components of PMKVY

1. Short-Term Training (STT)

Offers 3–6 month training programs in 30+ sectors for school/college dropouts and unemployed youth.

2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognises and certifies skills of workers like weavers, artisans, masons, and other informal workers.

3. Digital Advancements (PMKVY 4.0)

Uses AI-based analytics, Skill India Digital Hub, and Academic Bank of Credits for better skill mapping and delivery.

4. Inclusive Participation

Nearly 45% of trainees are women, with strong enrolment from SC, ST, and OBC categories.

5. Focus on Modern & Traditional Skills

Includes training in AI, IoT, drones, mechatronics, while also promoting traditional crafts and sectors.

6. Skill Hubs and COVID Response

Introduced Skill Hubs for vocational education in schools.
Trained 1.2 lakh youth as COVID warriors during the pandemic.

Key Achievements Over 10 Years

1.63 crore youth trained under PMKVY (till July 2025)
6+ crore trained under all skilling schemes of MSDE since 2014
25 lakh+ trained under PMKVY 4.0 (FY 2022–2025)
1.10 crore trained under PMKVY 2.0, aligned with Make in India and Digital India
17 lakh youth trained under DDU-GKY
56 lakh trained under RSETIs (entrepreneurship-based training)

Significance of PMKVY for India

Bridging the Skill Gap: Matches youth capabilities with changing industry demands.
Boosting Employment: Increases employability through certification and job-linkages.
Social Equity: Empowers marginalised communities and women through skill development.
Digital-Ready Workforce: Prepares youth for new-age sectors like AI and robotics.
Entrepreneurship Support: Encourages self-employment through training in entrepreneurial skills.

Conclusion

PMKVY has played a vital role in India’s journey toward becoming a skilled economy. As the country moves forward in the digital and manufacturing sectors, continuous adaptation of training modules and inclusion of informal skill workers will be key to realising the full potential of India’s demographic dividend.