What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)? < Back 2025-01-30 By Ampersand Group The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). In order to improve employability and foster economic progress, it seeks to equip India's youth with relevant skill training. PMKVY supports the government's goal of expanding livelihood prospects for millions of Indians while developing a trained workforce to meet the ever-growing industrial demands. What is PMKVY scheme? The PMKVY scheme focuses on short-term training programmes, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and special projects that cater to specific areas or industries. Beneficiaries of this scheme include school/college dropouts, unemployed youth and individuals seeking to upskill. Under PMKVY, participants receive training in various sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, retail and automotive, based on the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). One of the key highlights is the provision of financial rewards and certification upon successful completion, encouraging individuals to participate actively. PMKVY also emphasizes linking skills with job opportunities through its industry partnerships and placement support. As of today, PMKVY has significantly contributed to bridging India’s skill gap, boosting self-reliance and entrepreneurship while aiding the country’s transition to a globally competitive economy. What are the phases of PMKVY? The PMKVY scheme has, so far, been implemented in three phases, each designed to meet the evolving needs of India’s youth and industries. 1. PMKVY 1.0 (2015-2016) The first phase of PMKVY was launched in 2015 as a pilot project. It focused on providing short-term skill training to unemployed youth and school dropouts. Key features included: Target: Skilling 24 lakh individuals. Skill Development Training: Based on the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). Financial Rewards: Monetary incentives for trainees upon successful completion. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For workers with prior experience or informal skills. 2. PMKVY 2.0 (2016-2020) Building on the success of the first phase, PMKVY 2.0 introduced an enhanced version to expand its outreach and effectiveness: Target: Skilling 1 crore youth over four years. Components: Focus on both short-term training and RPL. Special Projects: Addressed industry-specific and region-specific needs. Placement Support: Stronger focus on job placements, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. Training Providers: Partnerships with government and private training centres to deliver programmes nationwide. 3. PMKVY 3.0 (2021-2026) The third phase of PMKVY was launched with a more localized and demand-driven approach: Target: Focus on skilling 8 lakh candidates in the first year and expanding further over the five-year period. Decentralized Implementation: Greater involvement of states to ensure local relevance and outreach. Digital Focus: Introduction of online training and hybrid models to accommodate digital learning. Sector-Specific Training: Training in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, logistics, and construction. Each phase of PMKVY has evolved to address new challenges, ensuring greater employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for India’s growing workforce. What are the benefits of PMKVY? The PMKVY scheme offers several benefits aimed at empowering India’s workforce and boosting economic development: 1. Skill Development PMKVY provides structured training in various sectors, equipping individuals with job-relevant skills to meet industry demands. 2. Employment Opportunities Through placement-linked training, the scheme enhances employability, ensuring better job prospects in both domestic and global markets. 3. Monetary Rewards Beneficiaries receive financial incentives upon successful certification, encouraging participation and completion of training programmes. 4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) The scheme acknowledges and certifies informal skills acquired through experience, enabling individuals to formalize their expertise. 5. Industry Alignment The training is designed to align with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards, ensuring relevance to current industry needs. 6. Localized Implementation By engaging with local industries and training providers, PMKVY addresses region-specific skill requirements, boosting local economies. 7. Entrepreneurial Support The scheme promotes entrepreneurship by offering skill training in areas that empower individuals to start their own ventures. 8. Digital and Future-Ready Skills The introduction of digital tools and sector-specific training prepares individuals for emerging industries, such as IT, healthcare, and renewable energy. PMKVY is a comprehensive initiative fostering skill development, employability and economic inclusion across India. Conclusion The PMKVY scheme stands as a transformative initiative aimed at addressing India’s skill gap and empowering its workforce. By implementing structured training programmes across its various phases, PMKVY has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of industries and individuals alike. From providing monetary rewards and formal recognition of prior learning to fostering employability and entrepreneurship, the scheme has made significant strides in shaping a skilled and future-ready India. As PMKVY continues to expand its reach, it holds the promise of not only enhancing individual livelihoods but also contributing to India's economic growth and global competitiveness. To know more in the education and skill development sectors, visit Ampersand Group. Frequently Asked Questions Q1. Who can apply for PMKVY? Any Indian citizen who is unemployed or school/college dropout can apply for PMKVY training programs. There are no specific educational qualifications required for most courses. Q2. Is the training under PMKVY free of cost? Yes, all training programs under PMKVY are completely free of cost. The government bears the cost of training, assessment, and certification. Q3. What types of courses are available under PMKVY? PMKVY offers a wide range of courses in various sectors such as healthcare, IT, retail, construction, beauty & wellness, electronics, and more. These courses are designed to match industry requirements.