SDESDM Scheme 2026: Free Electronics Training & Fee Reimbursement

At a glance

About the scheme

The Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India (SDESDM) scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to train 3,28,000 candidates across India. It supports youth and students by subsidising course and certification fees for NSQF Level 1 to Level 5 courses in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing sector. Implemented through agencies like NIELIT, ESSCI, and TSSC, the program aims to build an industry-ready workforce and link candidates with jobs or self-employment opportunities.

Benefits

• 100% course fee reimbursement by MeitY for SC, ST, and EWS candidates.
• 75% course fee reimbursement by MeitY for General category candidates after certification and placement.
• Course fee ceiling of up to ₹19,560 for manufacturing courses and up to ₹16,760 for service courses depending on the NSQF level.
• Base cost funding calculated at ₹41.90 per hour for service courses and ₹48.90 per hour for manufacturing courses.
• Registration-cum-Certification Fee (RCCF) of ₹762 to ₹1,905 reimbursed after passing assessment (75% for General, 100% for SC/ST/EWS).
• Staged payout model: 80% reimbursement on passing certification and the remaining 20% on successful job placement.
• Support for job placement or self-employment with mandatory 3-month tracking.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be at least 17 years old at the time of registration.
• Must be studying in Class 9/10 onwards, a school dropout from 8th pass onwards, an ITI certificate holder, a diploma holder, an undergraduate, a graduate, or registered with an employment exchange.
• Must meet the specific academic criteria of the selected NSQF course (Level 1 to Level 5).
• Must possess a valid Aadhaar Number or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) and provide consent for authentication.
• Must maintain at least 70% attendance during the training period to appear for the assessment.
• Must submit an undertaking agreeing to take up employment or self-employment.
• For EWS category reservation, annual family income must not exceed ₹2,00,000.
• Must not have previously benefited from any government-funded ESDM skilling program.

Who cannot apply

• Candidates who have already availed benefits under any Central or State Government-aided skilling course in the ESDM sector.
• Candidates who fail to achieve a minimum of 70% attendance during their training program.

Documents required

• Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID)
• Identity Proof (Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or NPR Card; candidates from Assam and Meghalaya require two identity proofs)
• Educational qualification certificates
• EWS Certificate (if applying under EWS quota)
• Bank account details
• Passport size photograph
• Undertaking declaring non-availment of similar government schemes
• Undertaking stating willingness for employment or self-employment

How to apply

1. 1Go to the official ESDM Skill Development portal at esdm-skill.deity.gov.in.
2. 2Find the nearest affiliated Training Partner (TP) listed on the portal.
3. 3Visit the Training Partner for course counselling and select an appropriate NSQF course from Level 1 to Level 5.
4. 4Provide your Aadhaar details, give consent for e-KYC authentication, and submit your educational documents.
5. 5Fill out the enrolment form either at the training centre or directly through the online portal.
6. 6Pay the Registration-cum-Certification Fee (RCCF) to the Training Partner.
7. 7Sign and submit the undertakings regarding scheme non-availment and willingness to work.
8. 8Complete the training course while maintaining at least 70% attendance, pass the assessment, and get placed to receive fee reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions