employment & skill development
PM-DAKSH - SC/ST Skill Development
Complete 2026 guide to PM-DAKSH: Short-term training for 40 lakh SC/ST youth with 75% placement guarantee + ₹2,500 stipend.
Last updated: 3/12/2026
Overview
PM-DAKSH is a major government initiative designed specifically to help young people from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities find good jobs. By offering free skill training and a monthly allowance, the scheme aims to train up to 40 lakh young people, with over 25 lakh already trained by 2026.
Why Was This Scheme Launched?
Currently, unemployment among SC/ST youth is around 12%, compared to 6% in the general population. To bridge this gap, the government created PM-DAKSH. Instead of generic training, the program focuses on "demand-driven" skills—meaning you learn how to do jobs that companies are actually hiring for right now across 37 different industries.
🌟 What Are the Main Benefits?
If you are selected for this program, you will receive incredible support to launch your career:
Free High-Quality Training: You get 400 hours of classroom/practical training to master a specific skill.
Monthly Stipend: You will be paid ₹2,500 every month during your training to help cover your personal expenses.
Hands-on Experience: After the main training, you get 3 months of On-the-Job Training (OJT) to practice what you learned in a real work environment.
Job Guarantee: The government guarantees to place at least 75% of graduates into jobs. Right now, the scheme is actually doing even better, with an 80% successful job placement rate!
Focus on Women: At least 30% of all training spots are specially reserved for women.
Who is Eligible?
- Community: You must belong to the SC or ST community.
- Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Education: You must have passed at least the 5th standard.
- Employment Status: You must be currently unemployed (or looking to upgrade past training).
- Tests/Approvals: You will need to pass a basic aptitude test (to figure out what skills suit you best) and get approval from your local District Skill Committee.
- Income: There is no maximum income limit for this specific track.
Documents Required
- Caste Certificate (to prove SC/ST status)
- Aadhaar Card (must be linked to your bank account so you can receive the stipend)
- Educational Certificates (proof that you passed the 5th standard or higher)
- Unemployment Registration (proof that you do not currently have a job)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
How to Apply
- 1Register Online: Go to the official website at daksh.ncsk.gov.in and sign up.
- 2Attend Counseling: You will go through a guidance session where experts will help you figure out which trade or skill is the best fit for you.
- 3Start Training: Attend the 400-hour skill training program in your chosen field.
- 4Get Paid: Receive your ₹2,500 monthly stipend directly into your bank account while you learn.
- 5On-the-Job Training: Complete a 3-month internship/practical training phase at a real workplace.
- 6Get Hired: Benefit from the program's placement services to land a job (with an 80% success rate!).