IndiaSkills 2025–26 Kicks Off in Greater Noida
Over 650 youth compete across 63 skills, winners to represent India globally
- IndiaSkills National Competition 2025–26 begins in Greater Noida
- Over 650 participants compete across 63 skill categories
- Winners to represent India at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
- Over 3.65 lakh registrations recorded nationwide
GG News Bureau
Greater Noida, 30th March: India’s premier skill competition, the IndiaSkills National Competition 2025–26, commenced with a grand opening ceremony in Greater Noida, bringing together the country’s top young talent across diverse skill sectors.
Organised under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation, the competition features over 650 participants competing across 63 skill categories aligned with global industry standards.
The finalists have emerged from rigorous regional rounds held across the country, which saw participation from thousands of candidates. The current edition has recorded over 3.65 lakh registrations from 36 States and Union Territories, marking one of the largest participation footprints in the competition’s history.
Addressing the event, MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee emphasised the importance of skill development in nation-building. She said that while education builds knowledge, skills give it purpose and power, urging youth to take pride in their craftsmanship and capabilities.
Senior Economic Adviser Manisha Sensarma highlighted that IndiaSkills is not just a competition but a critical platform for building a structured and industry-aligned skilled ecosystem.
NSDC CEO Arunkumar Pillai stressed the importance of industry collaboration, noting that the competition reflects real-world demands and sets benchmarks for excellence.
The competition spans a wide spectrum of skills, from traditional areas like electrical installation and electronics to emerging fields such as cybersecurity, autonomous robotics, additive manufacturing and unmanned aerial systems.
More than 200 industry partners, including leading companies, are participating to ensure alignment with industry standards and practical requirements.
Participants will be evaluated on parameters such as precision, creativity, efficiency and adherence to global benchmarks. Of the 63 categories, 43 are being conducted onsite while 20 are assessed through offsite formats.
Winners of the national competition will earn the opportunity to represent India at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026, often referred to as the “Olympics of Skills.”
The event will continue till April 2, culminating in a closing ceremony where winners across categories will be honoured.
Aligned with national initiatives such as Skill India and Viksit Bharat, the competition underscores India’s push to build a future-ready workforce and position itself as a global hub for skilled talent.
