ESDM Skill Development Scheme 2026: Up to 100% Fee Subsidy, Eligibility & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

Launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, this scheme builds technical capacity across select States and Union Territories in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. It aims to skill 90,000 individuals—including school students, ITI learners, polytechnic students, non-engineering college attendees, and school dropouts—by offering industry-recognised certifications through bodies like NIELIT and Sector Skill Councils to enhance employability.

Benefits

• 75% of the course fee is provided as financial assistance for general category students, with 25% borne by the student.
• 100% course fee assistance is provided for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• 40% of the total seats are reserved for SC, ST, and EWS candidates.
• 100% reimbursement of the Registration-cum-Certification fee (including theory, practical, and project exam fees) for candidates taking the test for the first time.
• Course fee assistance ranges by level: up to ₹5,000 for Levels L1-L2, ₹10,000 for Level L3, ₹12,000 for Level L4, and ₹15,000 for Level L5.
• Reimbursement is released upon successfully passing the certification assessment conducted by NIELIT or Sector Skill Councils.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Students studying in Class 9 onwards.
• Students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, or non-engineering undergraduate degree programs.
• Unemployed youth who are school dropouts (Class 8 pass onwards).
• Unemployed youth holding an ITI certificate, polytechnic diploma, or non-engineering graduation degree.
• Candidates must be registered with an employment exchange.
• Candidates from the non-formal education or skill sector are also eligible.

Documents required

• Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Enrolment ID
• Identity proof such as Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or NPR Card (Assam and Meghalaya candidates require two identity proofs)
• EWS Certificate (if applying under Economically Weaker Sections quota)
• Educational qualification mark sheets or certificates relevant to the chosen course level
• Undertaking stating that the candidate is not availing similar benefits under another government scheme
• Undertaking confirming willingness for wage employment or self-employment
• Bank account details
• Passport size photograph

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official ESDM Skill Development portal at esdm-skill.deity.gov.in.
2. 2Search and locate the nearest affiliated Training Partner through the portal.
3. 3Visit the Training Partner centre for counselling and select an appropriate NSQF-aligned course.
4. 4Provide your Aadhaar details and complete the required biometric or OTP-based e-KYC authentication.
5. 5Submit your qualification proofs, photo, identity documents, and signed undertakings to the Training Partner.
6. 6Pay the applicable Registration-cum-Certification Fee at the centre to finalize your batch enrolment.

Frequently asked questions