From cutting-edge initiatives at PSSCIVE Bhopal to national-level policy shifts and global collaborations, this week’s NSN Newsbytes highlight how education, industry, and government are aligning to build a future-ready workforce. States are accelerating reforms, institutions are embracing technology-driven learning, and industry partnerships are unlocking new career pathways.
At the same time, CSR efforts and community-led programmes are ensuring that skilling reaches the last mile, creating inclusive growth opportunities. Whether it’s AI training, green skills, semiconductor talent, or school-level vocational integration, the momentum is clear – India is not just skilling its youth, but shaping a resilient, innovation-driven economy.
Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –
India – Australia Toolkit to Strengthen Applied Learning in Secondary Schools
A new Toolkit developed by the Australia India Institute and partner institutions will help Indian secondary schools integrate applied learning into mainstream education. Aligned with NEP 2020, it offers practical resources for curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment, and industry partnerships, thereby strengthening India-Australia education collaboration. Download the Toolkit here!
Apprenticeship opportunities – Apply now!
- Applications are invited for the DRDO INMAS Apprenticeship 2026–27, offering one-year training opportunities for graduate, diploma, and ITI candidates in Delhi. Eligible candidates can apply online by April 30, 2026, to gain hands-on experience in a premier defence research institute. Click here to apply!
- Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) has invited applications for ITI and Diploma apprenticeships across multiple trades for one-year training. The last date to apply is May 11, 2026. Click here to apply!
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has begun recruitment for 668 Diploma Trainee and related posts across disciplines, offering nationwide opportunities. The last date to apply is May 11, 2026. Click here to apply!
- Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has announced recruitment for 500 Foreman and Technician posts through an online process, offering opportunities in technical roles. The last date to apply is May 28, 2026. Click here to apply!
Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes
- MSDE held a workshop under the Vibrant Villages Programme, bringing together ministries and states to promote skill-led development and livelihood opportunities across border regions through coordinated, demand-driven initiatives.
- India hosted Austria’s Federal Chancellor for an official visit, during which both sides held bilateral talks in New Delhi, reviewing ties and reaffirming cooperation across sectors and shared global priorities.
- In Telangana, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla chaired a meeting with university Vice-Chancellors, emphasising skill development, academic reforms, and quality improvement, while reviewing higher education initiatives and ongoing challenges.
- CII Education is organising a national case study competition on integrating vocational education in schools, aligned with NEP 2020. Click here to register!
PSSCIVE Bhopal: Driving Experiential Learning and Skill Integration
- Around 100 students from Delhi Public School, Bhopal visited PSSCIVE Bhopal for a skill exposure programme, exploring advanced labs and gaining insights into vocational careers through demonstrations and expert interactions.
- PSSCIVE Bhopal has installed an IoT-based drip irrigation system in its campus garden, promoting efficient water use and serving as a practical demonstration model for students in smart agriculture and sustainability.
- IHFC IIT Delhi conducted a five-day STEM training programme at PSSCIVE Bhopal for Kendriya Vidyalaya teachers under PM SHRI, focusing on pedagogy, innovation, and effective integration of technology in classrooms.
- A national workshop on skill education began at PSSCIVE Bhopal, bringing together participants from across India to promote integration of vocational learning, experiential education, and alignment with industry needs in schools.
Key developments in India’s skill ecosystem
- NSDC, in partnership with the Rajasthan government, organised the Kaushal Samvad in Jaipur, bringing together Sector Skill Councils to discuss a five-year roadmap aligned with industry demand and training capacity.
- The Ministry of Minority Affairs signed an MoU with IIT Patna to train 600 minority youth from Bihar in AI and business analytics, enhancing employability under the PM VIKAS scheme.
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has expanded the PM Internship Scheme to include final-year students, enabling early industry exposure through structured internships, subject to institutional approval and existing eligibility criteria.
- India and Austria have operationalised a bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate investments, resolve business issues, and improve ease of doing business, launched during the India-Austria Business Forum.
- Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at SSPU Pune during an international conference, promoting women’s leadership and inclusive skilling in the future workforce.
- NCVET has granted Awarding Body recognition to JAIN University, enabling it to assess and certify learners, while approving a new AI-based financial data analytics qualification aligned with NSQF standards.
State initiatives driving skilling and innovation
- In New Delhi, a comprehensive initiative was announced to strengthen vocational education, including new advanced laboratories in select institutes and the modernisation of existing facilities to align training with industry standards.
- CDOE, University of Jammu, in collaboration with NIELIT, Jammu, hosted an interactive session on AI training while conducting programmes in data annotation and curation to enhance students’ industry-relevant skills.
- The Directorate of Skill Development, Tripura, conducted solar PV installation training under a national scheme, providing theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare youth for employment in the growing renewable energy sector.
- In Nagpur, plans are underway to establish a skill development centre in Besa to boost employment, support MSMEs, and provide vocational training for youth and women.
- Pinnacle Skills, under NESDM, conducted training and certification programmes across Nagaland districts in trades like electrician, plumbing and masonry, aiming to bridge skill gaps and promote self-employment opportunities.
- Himachal Pradesh Technical University approved a ₹76.07 crore budget for 2026-27, focusing on research, infrastructure, PhD programmes, and skill development to enhance academic quality and student outcomes.
- The Maharashtra government will introduce new skill-based courses in ITIs and technical schools from June 2026, focusing on emerging sectors to improve employability, particularly for students from rural areas.
- A six-day smartphone filmmaking course began at Government Degree College Drass, supported by FTII and the Ladakh Skill Development Mission, training participants in digital storytelling and mobile-based film production.
- Delhi government schools will introduce a pre-vocational subject, ‘Kaushal Bodh’, for Classes 6-8 from 2025-26, focusing on life skills, vocational awareness, and project-based learning aligned with NCF-SE 2023.
- The Bihar state cabinet approved proposals to develop satellite townships, establish a research park at IIT Patna, and upgrade 75 ITIs to strengthen infrastructure and enhance skill development opportunities for youth.
- The Uttar Pradesh government is intensifying job-linked skilling efforts, directing programmes to ensure direct employment or self-employment outcomes as part of its strategy to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
- Amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Manipur University’s Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development has supported youth through skilling, partnerships, and placements, enabling career opportunities despite severe disruptions.
- Meghalaya’s Labour and Skill Development Department partnered with GIZ India and Schneider Electric to launch GreenSkills+, promoting green vocational training, trainer capacity building, and renewable energy skills through ITI Shillong.
- The Arunachal Pradesh government has partnered with EPCH to boost textiles and handicrafts, focusing on skill development, capacity building, product diversification, and enhancing global visibility of traditional crafts.
Industry-led training and workforce readiness
- Radisson Hotel Group plans a major expansion in India, targeting 500 properties by 2030, which is expected to generate 60,000 – 80,000 jobs and boost employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.
- ESSCI and UPLC signed an MoU to train youth in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, aiming to bridge skill gaps, support advanced industry roles, and position Uttar Pradesh as a high-tech hub.
- ESSCI has partnered with Ireland-based Synopsys International Limited to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem, aiming to address talent shortages and build skilled manpower in the advanced electronics and chip design sectors.
CSR contributions to skills and livelihoods
- Marking World Heritage Day, Vedanta Limited, India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power, and technology conglomerate, reiterated efforts to safeguard cultural traditions through community-driven programmes, benefiting over eight lakh people, supporting artisans, and advancing numerous cultural events nationwide.
- Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the CSR arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd., in collaboration with a state authority, launched two DIKSHacentres in Bhubaneswar to train youth in garment operations, targeting women, offering certifications, and ensuring employment opportunities.
- The Flipkart Foundation received a national CSR award for its skilling initiatives, which have trained over 9,000 individuals in three years, achieving strong placements and improving livelihoods across underserved communities.
- Northern Coalfields Limited has partnered with the Singrauli administration to establish a fish seed hatchery under CSR, aiming to boost production capacity and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
To know more, check out the latest updates on CSR and ESG initiatives that are creating a meaningful impact in skill development and education here: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/csr-and-esg-in-skill-education/
Higher education, technology and industry integration
- BECIL partnered with C-DAC to advance digital transformation, focusing on emerging technologies, joint projects, consultancy, innovation deployment, and workforce upskilling across multiple sectors.
- CBSE has directed affiliated schools to set up composite skill labs to promote experiential learning, aligning with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023, and integrating vocational education into the regular curriculum.
- NCERT has introduced its first vocational education textbook for Class IX, featuring multiple professions, as part of NEP reforms to guide early career choices and integrate skill education into the school curriculum.
- NIOS has scheduled vocational course practical exams and internal assessments from May 4 to May 15, 2026, across designated centres, with hall tickets to be released online shortly.
- Aptech Limited has partnered with Medhavi Skills University to advance industry-aligned training through structured programmes, focusing on employability, project-based learning, and future-ready skills across India.
- Guru Jambheshwar University has introduced a five-year roadmap focusing on job-oriented education, launching industry-linked courses and new-age BTech specialisations in emerging technology and engineering fields.
- An agricultural incubation centre has been inaugurated at Dr. YS Parmar University under a government-backed project, aiming to strengthen vocational training with modern labs, technology, and advanced learning resources.
*IMPORTANT:
The Weekly Newsbytes on skills and education from NSN are curated and adapted from various sources with the sole objective of keeping our readers updated about the evolving skills industry in India.
We compile and adapt these new snippets from various sources. If any source has objections or other concerns, please write to us at contact@nationalskillsnetwork.in, providing valid reasons, and we will remove the link to your content.
