PM-DAKSH Scheme 2026: Free Skill Training, Monthly Stipend & How to Apply
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Quick answer
PM-DAKSH provides completely free, NSQF-aligned skill development courses and stipends to candidates from marginalised communities across India. Beneficiaries receive government-funded training, assessment certification, and placement assistance for wage or self-employment. Eligible individuals can register online through the Skill India Digital Hub portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Free skill training with monthly stipend |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 18–45 years |
| Income limit | ₹3 lakh |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme is a central initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to enhance the employability of underprivileged youth and workers. The programme provides free upskilling, reskilling, short-term courses, and entrepreneurship development training to help participants earn better livelihoods in high-demand trades.
Benefits
- 100% government-funded skill development training at zero cost to trainees.
- Stipend of ₹500 per person for Safai Mitras and waste pickers undertaking upskilling or reskilling under RPL (approx. 35 hours).
- Monthly stipend of ₹1,500 for SC candidates and sanitation workers (including waste pickers and dependents) in non-residential short-term training.
- Monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for OBC, EWS, and DNT candidates attending non-residential short-term courses.
- Free boarding and lodging for residential training programmes within Common Cost Norms, with ₹500 monthly stipend for Safai Mitras, waste pickers, and their dependents.
- Official NSQF-aligned certification upon successful assessment.
- Placement and self-employment support after course completion.
- One free re-assessment attempt provided if needed.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen with valid proof of nationality.
- Age must be between 18 and 45 years.
- Must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Denotified & Nomadic Tribes (DNT), or Safai Mitras (including waste pickers).
- Family annual income must be below ₹3,00,000 for OBC and EWS candidates (no income ceiling applies to SC, DNT, or Safai Mitras/waste pickers).
- Must hold a valid Aadhaar card (exempted for states where Aadhaar is not fully rolled out).
- Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Must be registered on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
- A minimum of 70% biometric attendance (AEBAS) is required to qualify for examination.
Who cannot apply
- Candidates who have already undergone training under this scheme once cannot participate again.
- Simultaneous participation in more than one skill training programme is strictly prohibited.
Documents required
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card)
- Passport size photograph
- Caste or community certificate
- Income certificate (applicable for OBC and EWS applicants)
- Proof of age
- Residence proof
- Educational qualification certificates
- Occupation certificate (for Safai Mitras including waste pickers, issued by designated authorities)
- Aadhaar-linked bank passbook or bank account details
How to apply
- 1Visit the official Skill India Digital Hub portal and click on the 'Register' button on the top right.
- 2Select the 'Learner/Participant' category on the registration page.
- 3Enter your mobile number and click on 'Continue'.
- 4Validate the one-time password received on your phone and create your account password.
- 5Log in to the portal and complete e-KYC verification to finish your profile registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PM-DAKSH scheme?+
It is a central government programme that offers free skill development training, certification, stipends, and placement support to SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, and sanitation worker communities.
What is the age limit to apply for PM-DAKSH?+
Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years of age.
How much stipend is paid during training?+
Under non-residential short-term courses, SC and sanitation worker trainees receive ₹1,500 per month, while OBC, EWS, and DNT trainees receive ₹1,000 per month; RPL trainees receive a ₹500 lump sum stipend.
What is the income limit for PM-DAKSH?+
Candidates from OBC and EWS categories must have an annual family income below ₹3,00,000; there is no income limit for SC, DNT, or Safai Mitras/waste pickers.
Can a candidate enroll in training more than once?+
No, eligible individuals are permitted to participate in the training programme only once.
What is the minimum attendance required for final assessment?+
Candidates must achieve at least 70% biometric attendance to sit for the assessment.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)