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
PM-DAKSH - SC/ST Skill Development

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

  1. 1Register Online: Go to the official website at daksh.ncsk.gov.in and sign up.
  2. 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.
  3. 3Start Training: Attend the 400-hour skill training program in your chosen field.
  4. 4Get Paid: Receive your ₹2,500 monthly stipend directly into your bank account while you learn.
  5. 5On-the-Job Training: Complete a 3-month internship/practical training phase at a real workplace.
  6. 6Get Hired: Benefit from the program's placement services to land a job (with an 80% success rate!).

Frequently Asked Questions