New Delhi, Jan 24: The Indian government has achieved a major milestone in skill development with Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, training over 27.08 lakh young individuals across 38 diverse sectors as of December 7, 2025. This ambitious initiative spans 36 states and 732 districts, underscoring a nationwide push to equip the youth with job-ready skills.
Launched under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, PMKVY 4.0 has focused on high-demand areas since April 2024. From IT and ITES to aerospace, agriculture, rubber, leather, tourism, and hospitality, more than 7.5 lakh youth in 34 states and 670 districts have benefited. The program marks a significant evolution from its modest beginnings, transforming into a robust, demand-driven training ecosystem across four phases.
To future-proof the workforce, the ministry introduced 77 specialized courses and 102 new job roles aligned with emerging trends like Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, green jobs, and digital services. Over 15,500 training institutions are actively implementing the scheme, including more than 7,000 skill hubs in schools, colleges, and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Notably, premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, and public sector companies have joined for the first time.
Financial commitment reflects the program’s scale: Rs 1,652.89 crore was spent between April 2024 and September 2025, with a dedicated Rs 200 crore budget for building a national pool of trainers and assessors. Certified by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), these resources are hosted on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). From April 2024 to November 2025, 34,505 trainers and 13,844 assessors received certification.
The expansion of ITIs highlights long-term infrastructure growth. Their numbers surged from 9,977 in 2014 to 14,682 by 2025, with 4,605 new ones established. Enrollments jumped from 9.5 lakh to over 14 lakh students, signaling rising confidence in vocational education. National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) grew from 25 to 33, and Instructor Training Institutes from 11 to 120, approving 17,475 additional seats.
This comprehensive skilling drive positions India to meet global employment demands, fostering self-reliance and economic growth through a skilled workforce.
