India’s skilling ecosystem continues to gain momentum with impactful initiatives from the government, industry, and academia. This week, we highlight the MSDE’s North East Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme, launched to boost regional empowerment; alongside launched SIA, an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot for personalised career guidance. From UP’s “ITI Chalo Abhiyan” to Delhi’s summer counselling for students, the focus is firmly on inclusive, tech-enabled, and future skills.
From policy reforms under NEP 2020 to on-ground collaborations in industry, CSR, and academia, this edition of NSN weekly Newsbytes brings you a round-up of efforts that are shaping the future of skill education in India.
Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes,
This week’s highlights in skill education
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/
The Ultimate Resource Hub for Practical Training Tools
Skill-based education is the future! With NEP 2020, NCrF, and CBSE’s Composite Skill Labs, hands-on training is transforming education. But where can institutions find reliable insights on the best practical training tools?
Introducing SkillTech Studio – a collaboration between Nvis Technologies & NSN, designed as an information hub for schools. From Green Hydrogen & IoT Sensors to Robotics & Electrical Labs, access expert insights and resources to enhance practical learning.
Join a growing community shaping the future of technical education. Discover expert insights, explore the right tools, and take skill-based learning to the next level.
Skill development updates from the government
- Uttar Pradesh launches “ITI Chalo Abhiyan” to boost ITI admissions and equip youth with industry-relevant skills for employment under national initiatives.
- Mizoram has been declared India’s first fully literate state, with CM Lalduhoma urging a focus on digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy.
- MSDE launches SIA, an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, to offer personalised career guidance and job info in multiple languages, advancing inclusive skill development.
- The Maharashtra government engages 5,000+ stakeholders to boost ITI development through public-private partnerships.
- MSDE launches North East Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme in Aizawl to boost apprenticeship training and regional empowerment across the North Eastern Region. Read more…
- Arunachal Pradesh’s Skill Development Dept signs MoU with L&T to provide comprehensive skill training and On-the-Job Training for youth in construction trades at L&T’s CSTI, Telangana.
- The Delhi government launched a summer counselling programme (May 14–31) in schools to support Class 10 & 12 students with mental health, academic stress, and career guidance.
- Karnataka’s Skill Development transfers will now follow a counselling-based system, with guidelines to be drafted for the Department of Employment and Training.
Skill development updates on CSR, Industry
- GJEPC held PM Vishwakarma Registration Camps in Hupari and Kolhapur to support silversmiths with training and schemes, while advancing Hupari’s transformation into an export-ready silver jewellery cluster.
- Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation, Mangaluru launches six-day skill training on aquarium making and ornamental fish production at the Fisheries Skill Development Centre, Hoige Bazaar.
- Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) signed an MoU with NASSCOM and IT-ITeS SSC to launch skill development programs in emerging technologies for students and faculty across Telangana.
- Govt ITI Aliganj partners with Tata Motors Lucknow to offer stipend-based training under DST, providing ₹10,100/month, free transport, and canteen during six-month industry training for students from 16 trades.
- Kotak Education Foundation launches the Kotak Junior Scholarship to support 1,000 meritorious Class 11 students in MMR with ₹73,500 and holistic development over 21 months.
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
- The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Technical Education now allows Class XII commerce and arts students lateral entry into second-year polytechnic diploma courses, aiming to boost enrollments.
- The Delhi DoE has tightened verification for school-based internships to ensure safe, skill-relevant workplace training during summer and autumn breaks.
- The Delhi Education Department issues guidelines to implement ‘Kaushal Bodh’ pre-vocational training for Classes 6–8, featuring hands-on skills like pottery and carpentry under NEP 2020.
- Volvo CE India’s Iron Women program, in partnership with Pollutech Engineering and KCCL, trains underprivileged women for technical roles in construction, tackling gender gaps and skill shortages.
- The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) issues guidelines to promote experiential learning for Classes 6–8, encouraging practical, activity-based education over textbook learning.
*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, giving valid reasons, and we will remove the link to your content.
