SMILE Skill Development Scheme 2026: Free Training for Transgender Persons
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Quick answer
The SMILE Skill Development and Training scheme provides free market-oriented vocational training to transgender individuals aged 18 to 45 years to improve employment prospects. Beneficiaries can enrol in short-term or long-term courses without any family income limitations. Eligible candidates with a National Portal Transgender Certificate can apply through offline mode.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Free market-oriented skill development training programmes |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Finance |
| Level | Central Government |
| For | Transgender persons |
| Age | 18–45 years |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons – Skill Development And Training is a central initiative aimed at equipping transgender individuals with market-oriented job skills for dignified employment. Formulated through national consultations with the community, the programme offers industry-relevant short-term and long-term vocational courses delivered completely free of cost.
Benefits
- Free of cost skill development and vocational training.
- Short Term Training Programmes of 200 to 600 hours (up to 6 months).
- Long Term Training Programmes of 5 months and above, usually up to 1 year (up to 1,000 hours).
- Priority access to training courses for certified transgender individuals.
- Market-relevant skills designed to provide opportunities for employment with dignity.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must belong to the transgender community as notified by the Government of India.
- Applicant must be between 18 and 45 years of age.
- Must hold a valid Transgender Certificate and Identity card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment).
- Must not be receiving similar benefits from any other Central or State Government scheme.
- No income criterion is required for selection.
Who cannot apply
- Individuals already receiving similar training benefits under any other Centre or State scheme.
- Candidates who have already completed a training course under this programme (allowed only once).
- Persons below 18 years or above 45 years of age.
Documents required
- Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
- Identity Card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
How to apply
- 1Obtain a valid Transgender Certificate and Identity Card from the National Portal for Transgender Persons (transgender.dosje.gov.in).
- 2Visit the designated training partner or scheme centre offering offline registration for SMILE training.
- 3Submit the offline application form along with your Transgender Certificate and ID card.
- 4Select your preferred short-term or long-term skill development training programme.
Frequently asked questions
Are the skill training programmes free of cost?+
Yes, the skill development training programmes under this scheme are completely free of cost.
What is the age limit to apply for the SMILE training scheme?+
Transgender persons between the ages of 18 and 45 years are eligible to participate.
Is there an income limit to qualify for this scheme?+
No, there is no income criterion for selection in this skill development programme.
Is the Transgender Certificate from the National Portal compulsory?+
Yes, applicants must hold a Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons (transgender.dosje.gov.in).
Can a candidate apply for multiple training programmes under this scheme?+
No, candidates are eligible to undergo training only once and can participate in only one skill development training programme.
What types of training programmes are offered under SMILE?+
The scheme offers Short Term Training Programmes (200 to 600 hours, up to 6 months) and Long Term Training Programmes (5 months to 1 year, up to 1,000 hours).
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)