Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on skill development and education – 13th May 2025

This week’s NSN Newsbytes bring exciting updates in skill development, with a major spotlight on ITIs—the Union Cabinet has approved a ₹60,000 crore scheme to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and establish five National Centres of Excellence, while Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kerala are set to launch new, tech-focused courses like AI, EV Management, and Drone Technology from 2025–26. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh has signed agreements to create 27,000 job opportunities, while Telangana will introduce apprenticeship-embedded UG programs across various sectors starting 2025–26.

Alongside this, we also cover key developments from NEP 2020, NCVET’s reforms, industry partnerships, CSR initiatives, and academic collaborations, all driving India’s shift towards a future-ready, skilled workforce.

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

This week’s highlights in skill education

• The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹60,000 crore National Scheme to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and set up five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, co-financed by ADB and the World Bank. Read more…
• A 3-day training program on 21st Century Employability Skills for ITI faculty in Arunachal Pradesh was launched in Itanagar to enhance workforce readiness, in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation.
• Kerala plans to include 20 ITIs under the Centre’s ₹60,000 crore National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, focusing on industry-aligned courses through a ‘hub and spoke’ model over five years.
• From 2025–26, Maharashtra ITIs will introduce six new tech-driven courses including AI, EV Management, Robotics, 3D Printing, Drone Technology, and Solar Technician to meet evolving industry demands.

Skill development updates from the government

• TiEcon 2025, themed “AiVerse,” began in California, spotlighting AI’s transformative power, with MSDE highlighting the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship drive through initiatives like Startup India and Skill India.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a state-wide AI workforce development initiative led by the IT Department, with six major departments delivering tailored AI training to boost digital skills and enhance public services.
• The Centre has announced the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai as a National Centre of Excellence for the AVGC-XR sector, aiming to boost innovation and talent in digital creative fields.
• The government of Uttar Pradesh signed 22 Letters of Intent with various companies at a summit in Lucknow, aiming to create 27,000 job opportunities in sectors like healthcare, tourism, and finance.
• The Indian government has launched the GATI Foundation in New Delhi to create pathways for skilled Indian workers, addressing global labor shortages in high-income economies by 2030.
• In a major push for employability, 28 Government Degree Colleges in Telangana will offer apprenticeship-embedded UG programs from 2025–26 across sectors like BFSI, E-commerce, Tourism, and Pharma.
• At the 43rd NSQC meeting conducted by NCVET, 197 qualifications across emerging and traditional sectors were approved under NSQF, alongside key reforms like removal of general age criteria to boost inclusive vocational education.

Senior Procurement and Contract Management Specialist at Assam Skill University Project

The Assam Skill University Project (ASUP) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Procurement and Contract Management Specialist under its Project Management Unit (PMU), funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Applications are due by 16th May 2025, 5 p.m. For more details, visit Assam Skill University.

CITS 2025-26 Admissions Open: Apply Now for Trainer Courses

The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has opened online applications for CITS 2025-26 admissions. Applications will be accepted from May 8 to 28, with the AICET exam scheduled for June 15. This is for trainer courses across 41 trades at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Industrial Training Organizations (IToTs). For more information, visit- http://www.nimionlineadmission.in/

Skill development updates on CSR, Industry

• Oracle and APSSDC have partnered to provide digital skills training and certifications to 400,000 students in Andhra Pradesh, covering emerging technologies like AI, Cloud, and DevOps to boost employability.
• APSSDC has signed an MoU with Schneider Electric India Foundation to enhance skill development in Electronics, Construction, and Green Energy, aiming to build a future-ready workforce.
• PSIPL, in collaboration with Kalpataru Group, has launched a Skill Development Centre in Mumbai to train over 1,000 youth annually in hospitality and facility management services, to bridge the skill gap and create employment opportunities.
• At WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, GDAI and SEPC signed an MoU to boost India’s gaming and esports ecosystem through collaboration in investment, global promotion, skill development, and emerging tech like AR/VR and AI.
• The CSC CSR Conclave 2025, inaugurated by MSDE Secretary Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, highlighted the role of CSR in driving rural empowerment and sustainability through technology-enabled Common Services Centres.
• Decimal Point Analytics has hired six interns as full-time employees under its CSR program ‘Dnyanodapi Dhanodapi,’ which empowers rural and disadvantaged students with skills for the financial analytics industry.
• Hindustan Zinc Limited has achieved an early breakthrough in next-generation zinc-based battery technology, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, safety, and operational lifespan for the clean energy transition.
• Property Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd. has launched a Skill Development Centre in Mumbai, aiming to train over 1,000 youth annually in hospitality and facility management, in collaboration with the Kalpataru Group.

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/

Skilling and upskilling in academia and emerging technologies

• Medhavi Group has partnered with Patanjali Japan Foundation to launch Japan-aligned certification programs and a Centre of Excellence, enabling global job opportunities for Indian youth in sectors like healthcare and hospitality.
• AICTE and NIELIT have signed an MoA to advance skill development and education in emerging technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, bridging academia and industry.
• A three-day Training of Trainers workshop under the NEP Multi Skill Education Pilot was held in Kohima to promote a multi-sector vocational approach for Grades 9 and 10.