Nationwide Adult Skill Assessment Survey launches Q2 2026 by Ministry of Statistics, mapping basic/intermediate/advanced competencies via modular framework to align skilling with workforce realities. Addresses 75% basic schooling workforce, 55% graduate employability (India Skills Report 2025), modest wage gains from PMKVY 1.4cr trainees (2015-25).
NSDC appoints IIMB alumnus Arunkumar Pillai CEO January 7, leveraging private sector experience to overhaul outcomes under PMKVY 4.0, SSCs, PM-NAPS apprenticeships. Kaushal Manthan yields Skill Resolutions 2026: ITI grading, SSC reorganization, National Trainer Framework, Federated Registry, MSME integration.
Rajasthan AI-ML Policy 2026 integrates AI into governance/skilling with ethical hubs, data literacy, industry partnerships. Uttar Pradesh Board mandates vocational from Class 9 (2026-27, 30+ electives like drone/solar/mobile repair), Class 11 by 2029, 50% practicals/internships via PSSCIVE modules.
Haryana fills 2,052/2,784 vocational teacher posts; 5-day trainings via SVSU/DIET/SCERT/PSSCIVE Bhopal for 15 NSQF sectors (2,03,557 students, 2,238 labs, 1,398 schools). 22 district Centres of Excellence in Model Sanskriti Schools offer 5 skills each; Rozgar Melas/Kushal Business Challenge foster entrepreneurship.
Andhra Pradesh establishes Rs 20cr Skill Hub/Incubation Centre Kakinada for future-ready training. PMKVY challenges: 2% post-degree certifications, informal absorption without recognition; solutions mandate apprenticeships, RPL, curriculum co-design.
President Murmu launches #SkilltheNation AI Challenge (SOAR) January 1, inaugurates IGNOU Skill Centre Rairangpur; Rajasthan AI policy complements. Haryana NSQF vocationalizes secondary education via pilot/state projects.
Survey data will recalibrate from supply to demand, boosting demographic dividend amid 12.8M projected jobs. States like UP/Haryana lead NEP-aligned push for employability.
