PMKVY RPL Scheme 2026: Free Skill Certification, Orientation & Eligibility
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Quick answer
PMKVY Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) evaluates and certifies workers with existing skills to improve their livelihood prospects. Eligible candidates receive a 12-hour orientation, an RPL kit, and official industry-recognised certification. Individuals can register through the Demand Aggregation Portal or participate via local RPL camps and employers.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Free Industry-Recognised Skill Certification |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 18–45 years |
| Application mode | Online & offline |
About the scheme
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana aims to formally assess and certify the informal learning and experience gained by individuals, especially those working in unregulated sectors. Implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through National Skill Development Corporation and Sector Skill Councils, the programme conducts an orientation covering technical competencies, soft skills, and entrepreneurship basics before evaluating candidates. The certification aligns informal expertise with national standards, enhancing employability and career progression.
Benefits
- Industry-recognised skill certification validating informal and prior work experience
- 12-hour mandatory orientation covering domain skills, soft skills, entrepreneurship guidance, and assessment process overview
- Bridge courses of up to 68 hours for Type 1 and Type 2 projects to fill specific knowledge gaps
- Complimentary RPL kit including a PMKVY T-shirt (or jacket/T-shirt for female and transgender participants), cap, study materials, and optional workplace tools
- Coverage under Kaushal Bima included within project funding
- Zero registration, assessment, or certification fees for candidates under online demand-based RPL (Type 5)
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must be a citizen of India
- Must be between 18 and 45 years of age (candidates above 45 years require prior approval from the PMKVY Executive Committee or State level Empowered Committee)
- Must have prior work experience in the applied job role as defined by the respective Sector Skill Council (SSC)
- Must hold a valid Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Must meet all job-role-specific work experience benchmarks specified by the SSC
Who cannot apply
- Candidates without verifiable prior work experience in the relevant job role
- Applicants lacking an Aadhaar card or an Aadhaar-linked bank account
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details
- Proof of prior work experience as required by the relevant Sector Skill Council
How to apply
- 1Visit the Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP) on the official Skill India Portal or contact your local District Skill Committee (DSC) or Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK).
- 2Select your sector and the appropriate job role that matches your previous work experience.
- 3Complete candidate registration by submitting your Aadhaar details and profile information.
- 4Attend the required 12-hour orientation session, along with any recommended bridge course up to 68 hours.
- 5Take the skill assessment conducted at the centre or through an online proctored session (for Type 5).
- 6Receive your government-approved skill certificate upon successful assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for PMKVY RPL?+
Candidates must be between 18 and 45 years old. Beneficiaries above 45 years require special approval from the PMKVY Executive Committee or State level Empowered Committee.
What is included in the RPL Kit?+
The kit includes one standard PMKVY T-shirt (or jacket/T-shirt for females and transgender persons), one PMKVY cap, job role study material, and optional workplace tools.
Is there any fee to register for online RPL (Type 5)?+
No, there is no fee for registration, assessment, or certification under RPL Type 5.
How long is the RPL orientation?+
The orientation lasts for 12 hours, with optional bridge courses up to 68 hours depending on the project type.
What are the different modes of RPL implementation?+
RPL operates via five modes: RPL Camps (Type 1), Employer Premises (Type 2), Demand via District Skill Committees or DAP (Type 3), Best-in-Class Employers (Type 4), and Online RPL (Type 5).
Is an Aadhaar card mandatory for RPL?+
Yes, having an Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account is a compulsory eligibility requirement.
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