Weekly Newsbytes Skill Development & Education 24 Mar 2026

This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlight a strong push towards building a future-ready skilling ecosystem in India through coordinated efforts across government, industry, and academia. Key policy recommendations, such as a National Job Skilling Policy and a proposed National Skill Board, underscore the focus on improving governance and outcomes. Government initiatives like PM-NAPS, Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect, and state-level investments in education and skilling continue to expand access and opportunities.

States are accelerating reforms through curriculum upgrades, infrastructure investments, and targeted training programmes, while industry collaborations, from AI and semiconductor training to drone and mobile repair programmes, are aligning skills with emerging technologies. Simultaneously, CSR initiatives are strengthening inclusivity by empowering women, supporting underprivileged youth, and enhancing vocational infrastructure. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to bridging skill gaps, improving employability, and driving inclusive economic growth.

Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –

Tata STRIVE Job Openings – AI-driven job roles in the ITI ecosystem

Tata STRIVE, an initiative of the Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT), is inviting applications for multiple roles supporting AI-enabled skilling initiatives across Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India. These roles are part of a nationwide effort to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into non-IT vocational trades such as Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, and Fashion Technology. Interested candidates can apply and submit their resume here. Click here!

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!

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has announced 405 apprenticeship vacancies for Trade, Technician, and Graduate Apprentice roles under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in the Western Region. Applications are submitted online through NAPS/NATS portals – The last date to apply: 26 March 2026 (5:00 PM). Click here to Apply!
South Central Railway has invited applications for 2,801 apprentice posts across technical trades under the Apprentices Act. Online applications are open from March 12, 2026. The last date to apply is April 11, 2026. Click here to Apply!
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has announced 1,700 apprenticeship vacancies for graduate, technician, and fresher roles across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Applications are being accepted online, with the last date to apply set as March 31, 2026. Click here to Apply!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes

The Ministry of Heavy Industries is implementing a ₹12,070 million scheme to boost competitiveness in the capital goods sector, supporting technology development, infrastructure, and skill development across 29 projects.
NCVET held a bilateral meeting with Australia’s ASQA in New Delhi to explore collaboration in vocational education, focusing on quality assurance, regulatory systems, and knowledge exchange.
A bamboo artisan training programme for senior citizens concluded in Soreng, Sikkim, under AVYAY, promoting productive ageing and livelihood skills through capacity building initiatives.
L&T Finance, with Aatm Nirbhar, concluded its ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ programme in Hubballi, empowering over 100 women with two-wheeler training to promote mobility and independence.
PSSCIVE, Bhopal, held a five-day expert meeting to finalise the Automotive IIoT Application Technician curriculum for Grades XI – XII, aligning content with industry advancements and smart automotive technologies.
SCERT Uttar Pradesh, with PSSCIVE and Wadhwani Foundation, conducted a capacity-building programme on implementing Bagless Days, promoting experiential learning, skill integration, and career awareness aligned with NEP 2020.

Government-led programmes strengthening India’s skilling ecosystem

Mera Yuva Bharat engaged over 1,500 students across Delhi through the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme, promoting youth participation in nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The PM-NAPS scheme offers on-the-job training across 15+ industries, enabling youth to earn while learning, gain industry exposure, and build job-ready skills with leading companies.
A parliamentary panel proposed a National Skill Board with state participation, urging MSDE to streamline schemes and improve fund utilisation amid concerns over low spending in key programmes.
NITI Aayog proposed a National Job Skilling Policy to integrate employment and skilling efforts, introduce annual surveys, and align training with industry needs to boost workforce productivity.

State governments driving skills and innovation

CBSE granted affiliation to 151 Himachal Pradesh government schools, which will adopt its curriculum, while 7,635 tablets will be distributed to meritorious students to boost digital learning.
The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has begun ITICAT 2026 registrations for ITI admissions in Bihar, with applications open until April 14 and the entrance exam scheduled for May 17.
A six-day training programme in Telangana on bamboo handicrafts and non-timber forest products concluded at BHEL Sangareddy, promoting sustainable livelihoods and financial independence among participants.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Agriculture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu inaugurated a new ITI and upgraded school infrastructure in Longding district, aiming to strengthen skill development and support youth employment opportunities.
SCERT Nagaland and NBSE partnered with Lend A Hand India to strengthen school-level skill education through the Kaushal Bodh curriculum, teacher training, and hands-on vocational learning aligned with NEP 2020.
Gujarat government allocated ₹2,902 crore in the 2026–27 budget for skill development, labour and employment, aiming to boost youth skills and support the Viksit Gujarat 2047 vision.
CMPDI awarded certificates to 80 trainees completing a four-month CSR skill programme at CIPET Ranchi, training youth in plastics processing and injection moulding to enhance employability.
OneOTT Entertainment partnered with the Uttar Pradesh government to train one lakh youth in digital skills, enhancing employability and supporting opportunities in the growing digital economy.
Punjab launched Sikhya Kranti 2.0 with ₹3,500 crore investment to transform government school education, partnering with the World Bank to drive reforms and align with global standards.
A PMKVY 4.0 short-term training programme was launched in Nagaland to enhance the vocational skills of police personnel and their families across multiple units.

Industry collaborations boosting job-ready talent

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission will host the 37th Skill Development Programme on Pharmacovigilance from June 15 – 19, 2026, offering training on drug safety, ADR reporting, and risk management.
Google, SERI, and the Telangana government launched a Mobile Repair Accelerator Programme to train youth in diagnostics, repair, data security, and sustainable practices, creating employment opportunities.
AVPL International, with TSSC, launched a Drone Centre of Excellence at ITI Govandi, Mumbai, offering hands-on UAV training to equip students for careers in the growing drone ecosystem.

CSR initiatives supporting education and livelihoods

Capacity Building Commission, with DPE and IICA, held a workshop in New Delhi to strengthen CSR governance, focusing on strategic, outcome-driven initiatives aligned with ESG frameworks and national development goals.
DEPwD signed an MoU with the Coalition of the Willing to develop a national ecosystem to support persons with hearing impairments across education, skilling, employment, and social inclusion.
ONGC supported 25 tribal and underprivileged youth through a six-month firefighting training at Rashtriya Raksha University, equipping them with industry-ready skills in safety and emergency response.
Dalmia Bharat Foundation and Schneider Electric India Foundation partnered to upgrade 38 ITIs, establishing 30 electrical labs in Tamil Nadu and enhancing vocational training for over 11,000 youth.
HDFC Bank, with Smile Foundation, launched a Parivartan Skilling Centre in Bareilly to train 850 youth in BFSI and retail, promoting employability and reducing migration.

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/

Emerging tech and industry partnerships in higher education

IISc’s Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, with Groww Foundation, launched a semiconductor skill development programme to train youth and boost participation in advanced micro and nano-technology fields.
Larsen & Toubro’s LTM partnered with IIT Kharagpur to deliver AI-focused training programmes, combining industry and academic expertise to upskill employees and build future-ready capabilities.
SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant organised a three-day industrial visit for over 100 students and faculty from RKMITI and IIT Bhilai, providing practical exposure under institutional MoU partnerships.
British Council signed an MoU to support women’s entrepreneurship through SPARK – The 100K Collective, aiming to empower one lakh women across India with skills, leadership and networks.
Patliputra University will introduce OMR-based examinations for skill, ability, and value-added courses from April 2026, aiming to improve transparency, efficiency, and student employability.

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