Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Phases, RPL and Key Facts
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), launched on 16 July 2015, is the core scheme of the Skill India Mission. It gives youth free, industry-relevant short-term training, certifies skills people already have through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and supports placement. It is now in its fourth phase, PMKVY 4.0.
In one line: free short courses and skill certificates for young people, paid for by the Government and run through the National Skill Development Corporation.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 16 July 2015 |
| Ministry | Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Phases | 1.0 (2015), 2.0 (2016), 3.0 (2021), 4.0 (2022 to 2026) |
| Nodal agency | National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) |
| Standards | National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), Sector Skill Councils |
Key features
- Short-term training with on-the-job training, assessment and certification, then tracking for a year.
- RPL: a pass needs 70% marks; one free re-assessment.
- Training centres are paid in tranches: 30% at start, 30% after attendance checks, 40% on certification.
- Attendance through the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System.
Possible exam questions
- Why has India's skilling drive struggled to improve employability? Suggest reforms.
- How can India turn its demographic dividend into a productive workforce?
Complete notes in our courses: this page gives the essentials. The Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with every update merged in, plus practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
More in Skill Development schemes
- PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
- Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
- PM-SETU (Upgraded ITIs)
- SANKALP
- STRIVE
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