The Jammu & Kashmir Skill Development Mission (JKSDM) has launched the India Skills Competition 2025 across all 20 districts of the Union Territory, marking a significant initiative to empower skilled youth and connect them with national and global platforms.
The launch, part of a nationwide campaign by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aims to discover and reward top young talent across India in various skill trades.
JKSDM Mission Director highlighted, “India Skills 2025 is more than a competition—it’s a movement recognizing skill as a tool for empowerment. Launching it across all districts ensures inclusivity and access for every aspiring youth in J&K.”
The district-level events, organized with District Skill Committees, ITIs, polytechnics, educational institutions, and industry partners, included awareness sessions, orientation drives, and on-the-spot registration, encouraging many candidates to sign up.
J&K’s previous performance in India Skills 2023–24 was outstanding, with 3 Gold Medals, 4 Bronze Medals, and 6 Medallions of Excellence, reflecting the region’s growing talent pool. With expanded outreach and mentoring, JKSDM aims for even greater success in this edition.
The competition features 63 skill trades, including Mechatronics, Welding, Web Technologies, Fashion Technology, Cyber Security, Bakery, and Health & Social Care. Eligibility is based on age (born on or after January 1, 2004, with some exceptions), and no formal education requirement exists—skills acquired informally are welcome.
Participants compete at district levels, then state, regional, and national levels, with winners representing J&K and India at international competitions like the World Skills event in Shanghai, China, in 2026. The government will cover all training and competition expenses.
Leena Padha, JKSDM Mission Director, said, “This is the biggest platform for youth to showcase their skills and gain recognition at multiple levels. India Skills aims to glamorize vocational skills and break the blue-collar stigma.”
JKSDM will continue mobilizing through institutional networks and industry partners. District Nodal Officers and Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) have been appointed to facilitate registration and training.
Interested candidates can register online at www.skill.jk.gov.in/cms/competition by September 30, 2025.