“The competition showcases India’s commitment to developing world-class vocational skills,” said Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the University Grants Commission. “We encourage all higher education institutions to promote this opportunity among their students.”

State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) will organize district and state-level competitions. Winners will move to regional competitions, and the best performers will qualify for the national finals in February 2026. The competition includes 63 skills across six categories: Construction and Building Technology, Creative Arts and Fashion, Information and Communication Technology, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, Social and Personal Services, and Transportation and Logistics.

India has participated in WorldSkills International since 2011 and joined WorldSkills Asia in January 2025. At the 2024 WorldSkills Competition in France, the country ranked 13th. India earned four bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence.

The Ministry allocated support funding to states according to youth population and the number of skills they selected. States must submit proposals by August 30, 2025, to claim financial assistance for organizing local competitions.

Interested participants can contact Mr. Mayank Bhatnagar, Head of WorldSkills India at NSDC. He responds via email at mayank.bhatnagar@nsdcindia.org or on mobile at +91 98110 74979.

Through the India Skills Competition, the Ministry aims to raise vocational education standards and establish India as a global leader in skilled craftsmanship and technical excellence.

Source: https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/India_Skill_Competition_0001.pdf