Jammu and Kashmir has successfully trained 1,22,447 candidates under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) across the last three financial years and the current year until June 30. Of these, 93,040 candidates have successfully completed their certification, according to data recently presented in the Lok Sabha.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the fiscal year 2024-25 saw the highest engagement with the PMKVY scheme in the Union Territory, recording 85,557 candidates trained and 68,307 certified. This significant activity was followed by the 2023-24 period, which registered 28,895 trained candidates and 15,280 certifications. The subsequent fiscal year, 2025-26, showed a considerable decrease in participation, with only 4,689 candidates trained and 8,523 certified. In the current financial year, up to June 30, 2026, 3,306 candidates had been trained and 930 certified.
The Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship highlighted that PMKVY 4.0, which commenced implementation in 2022-23, has introduced an expanded curriculum. This enhanced program now encompasses over 600 new-age and futuristic courses designed to equip individuals with skills in emerging sectors. These include specialized training in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, green energy, electric vehicles, drones, cybersecurity, and robotics, reflecting a strategic move to align workforce capabilities with evolving industry demands.
Nationally, under PMKVY 4.0, approximately 5.44 lakh candidates had received training in these forward-looking job roles across India as of June 30, 2026. The central government reiterated its commitment to placement tracking, a practice established under the initial three phases of PMKVY. Between the financial years 2015-16 and 2021-22, a total of 56.89 lakh candidates were certified under the Short-Term Training component. Out of this cohort, 24.37 lakh individuals were reported to have secured employment, resulting in an overall placement rate of 42.8 per cent.
For the PMKVY 4.0 initiative, the government has prioritized enabling candidates to explore diverse career trajectories. The curriculum design places a strong emphasis on industry-relevant courses, incorporating mandatory On-Job Training components to provide practical experience and enhance employability. This approach aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and the immediate requirements of the job market.
Findings from a third-party evaluation of PMKVY 4.0 conducted in 2025 revealed a positive trend in employment outcomes. The combined proportion of candidates who were employed or self-employed following Short-Term Training saw an increase from 26.6 per cent prior to the training to 45.4 per cent post-training. Furthermore, the evaluation indicated a tangible financial benefit for participants, with 41.4 per cent of Short-Term Training candidates and 48.9 per cent of those certified through Recognition of Prior Learning reporting an increase in their income after completing the training and certification.
In terms of financial utilization for Jammu and Kashmir, the PMKVY 4.0 funds saw significant deployment. In 2023-24, the utilization stood at Rs 32.53 crore, rising to Rs 69.30 crore in 2024-25. The subsequent fiscal year, 2025-26, witnessed a reduction in fund utilization to Rs 3.49 crore, with Rs 89 lakh utilized in 2026-27 up to June 30.
The central government clarified that PMKVY 4.0 operates as a demand-driven scheme, meaning it does not adhere to fixed state-wise fund allocations. The scheme’s total Budget Estimate for the period of 2023-24 to 2026-27 was Rs 6,811.30 crore, against which the government has disbursed Rs 2,392.37 crore.
The Ministry further elaborated on efforts to bolster industry engagement and skill development infrastructure. Industry partnerships have been significantly strengthened through the National Skills Qualification Framework and industry-led Sector Skill Councils. The inclusion of mandatory On-Job Training and active industry participation in curriculum development and certification processes are key components of this strategy. Over 15 industries have been designated as Awarding Bodies, responsible for creating job roles that precisely align with current industry needs. Additionally, the Skill India Digital Hub serves as a crucial platform connecting trained candidates with prospective employers, thereby facilitating access to employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
