Free placement-linked skill training for poor rural youth aged 15–35 (45 for women and special groups), run by the Ministry of Rural Development; now in its 2.0 phase.
Ministry of Rural Development
💰 Benefit: Free placement-linked skill training (3–12 months), free uniform and study material, free food and stay in residential courses (₹100 per training day in non-residential courses), government-recognised certificate, and placement support
Always verify eligibility on the official website before applying. Scheme rules may change. Facts last checked against the official source on 15 October 2026.
15 to 35 years. The upper limit is 45 for women, PVTGs, persons with disabilities, transgender persons and special groups such as rescued bonded labourers.
Rural youth from poor families. Proof can be a BPL or AAY card, RSBY card, a family member in an NRLM self-help group, or a family member who did at least 15 days of MGNREGA work in the last year.
No. The scheme pays 100% of training costs; there are no fees, registration, exam, certification or placement charges.
Courses are 3, 6, 9 or 12 months long, including on-the-job training.
Aadhaar, age proof (such as a birth certificate), proof of a poor family (BPL/AAY/RSBY card, MGNREGA worker card or SHG certificate), caste or disability certificate if applicable, bank details and photos.
Contact your Gram Panchayat or Gram Rozgar Sewak, or register as a candidate on the Kaushal Bharat portal (kaushalbharat.gov.in). A nearby training centre will then contact you.