Vocational Training in Tribal Areas 2026: Free Skill Courses & ₹700 Monthly Stipend

At a glance

About the scheme

The Vocational Training in Tribal Areas programme is a Central Sector initiative run by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to empower tribal youth with employment-oriented skills. The scheme supports the establishment of Vocational Training Centres in remote and underserved tribal areas and funds training in recognized institutes such as ITIs and Polytechnics. Open to ST candidates across the country, it focuses on modern and traditional trades matched to local market needs, reserving at least 33% of seats for tribal women and providing support for job placements and microfinance.

Benefits

• Free vocational training in one chosen modern or traditional trade with practical experience.
• Monthly stipend of ₹700 per month for each enrolled trainee.
• Recognised certificate or diploma awarded upon successful completion of the training course.
• Free boarding, lodging, electricity, and water facilities covered under the recurring grant of ₹30,000 per trainee per year.
• ₹1,600 per trainee per year provided for tools and training raw materials.
• Support for job placements or microfinance loans through NSTFDC and banks for self-employment.
• At least 33% seats reserved for tribal women candidates.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Trainees must belong to Scheduled Tribes (ST) or Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs).
• Open to tribal youths irrespective of the State or region they belong to.
• Implementing agencies must be State Governments, UT Administrations, or Government autonomous bodies.
• Public Trusts registered for at least three years under applicable law are eligible to run training centres.
• Private recognized institutions registered and running vocational courses for at least three years are eligible.
• Registered Voluntary Organisations (VOs) or NGOs with at least three years of experience in tribal welfare are eligible.
• Industry associations such as ASSOCHAM, CII, or FICCI willing to conduct skill training with placement plans are eligible.

Who cannot apply

• Organisations or institutions registered for less than three years are not eligible for grants.
• Non-ST candidates are not covered under trainee benefits.

Documents required

• Details of Budget Estimates
• Audited accounts along with Auditor's Report
• Utilization Certificate of the previous year grant as per GFR 19(A)
• Annual Report of the organisation
• Staff list and list of beneficiaries
• Inspection report countersigned by the District Collector or Commissioner
• Registration certificate, rules, and bye-laws of the organisation
• List of Management Committee members
• Rent agreement or rent assessment certificate authenticated by PWD or CPWD
• Surety bond, authorization letter, and acceptance of terms and conditions

How to apply

1. 1Download Format-I for State/UT Governments and autonomous bodies, or Format-II for NGOs and private institutions from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs portal.
2. 2Voluntary organisations and private institutions must submit their application to the State or UT Government by December for the upcoming financial year.
3. 3The State Government places the proposal before the State Level Committee for Voluntary Efforts for review.
4. 4State/UT Governments and autonomous bodies submit their direct proposals, and forwarded NGO proposals, to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs by January-February of the preceding financial year.
5. 5Aspiring ST trainees can contact local recognized Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), ITIs, or district tribal welfare offices to enroll in sponsored courses.

Frequently asked questions