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• 1. Background
• 2. Aims and Objectives
• 3. Eligibility
• 4. Policy Framework
• 5. Funds Allocation
• 6. Monitoring
• 7. Evaluation

Skill Development Training Policy, 2026

National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)

1. Background

1.1 As per the Main Objects of NSFDC’s Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association [Clause-III(A)(2)], the mandate of NSFDC is, inter-alia, “to upgrade skill and process used by SCs, to setup, run and manage production, training, quality control, process development, technology and common facility centres or units and to collaborate or tie-up with other agencies, firms and enterprises for the purpose.”

1.2 The NSFDC Skill Development Training Policy was last revised in 2011 and 2016, and since then it has provided the framework for skill development activities of the Corporation, with modifications from time to time.

1.3 The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSD&E) has notified Common Norms for Skill Development Schemes being implemented by various agencies of the Government of India, which are effective from 1st April, 2016 and amended from time to time. The Common Norms pertain to post training placement, standards for inputs/output, funding/cost norms, third party certification and assessment cost, etc.

1.4 These Common Norms have been incorporated in the NSFDC Skill Development Training Policy 2026, and it will supersede the Skill Development Training Policy, 2016.

2. Aims and Objectives

2.1 To adopt an integrated outcome-based approach for fulfilling skilling needs of the Scheduled Castes Persons and improve their socio-economic conditions through employability. Further, measures would be taken for continuous improvement in the quality of the skill development programmes by adopting National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) - a competency based framework.

2.2 To mobilize additional financial resources for skill training from profit making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Philanthropic Organizations and other Organizations out of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and/or from any other funds.

3. Eligibility

• 3.1 The person should be from the Scheduled Castes Community. There is no annual family income criterion.
• 3.2 The age of the candidate should be between 18 to 45 years as on the date of Selection.

4. Policy Framework for Skill Development

The framework outlines paradigms and enablers to achieve the objectives.

4.1 Quality

The following parameters shall be adopted by NSFDC for improving the quality of skill development training and to ensure that the national standards are met:

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4.2 Selection of Training Institutes/Providers

The Training Institutes will be selected out of the Government / Semi-Government / Autonomous Institutions and Universities/Deemed Universities for conducting its sponsored skill development training programmes.

4.3 Quantum of Assistance

Under Skill Development Training Scheme, NSFDC would provide financial assistance in the form of grants to cover the entire operational expenses of the training programmes.

• Non-Residential Training: Stipend @ ₹1,500 per month per candidate would be provided during the training programme to meet their incidental expenses, subject to overall 80% attendance. Paid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Residential Training: Boarding and Lodging Cost shall be included in training cost of the Training Institutes.

Further, for On the Job Training (OJT), if any, the Training Institutes will be paid 50% of the applicable base hour cost per candidate.

4.4 Training Programmes/Job Roles

Employment oriented NSQF compliant Job Roles or the courses having potential for employment and exempted from NSQF by any appropriate Government directives, shall be considered for sponsoring by the NSFDC. Skill gap analysis conducted by National Skill Development Corporation shall also be factored into selection.

4.5 Duration of the Training Programmes

The Duration of the Skill Development Training Programmes would be as per NSQF/National Occupation Standards (NOS) issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Govt. of India, from time to time.

4.6 Sanction of Training Programmes

Every Year, based on available funds/annual targets, proposals will be invited from preferred Training Institutes. A Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) will examine proposals and make recommendations. Upon approval by the Competent Authority, Financial Sanction Letters detailing Trainees, Location, Duration, and Costs would be issued.

4.7 Release of Funds

The funds will be released to the Training Institutes on mile-stone basis, as per the Common Norms issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

4.8 Channelizing Agencies

Channelizing Agencies (CAs) of NSFDC will continue to play an important and effective role in proper selection of the trainees. Post-training, CAs can also support trainees by providing access to financial assistance for setting up micro enterprise level start-ups.

5. Funds for implementation

NSFDC shall mobilize funds for sponsoring of employment oriented Skill Development Training Programmes from its own sources i.e. @ 10% of the Excess of Income Over Expenditure (EoIOE) of the previous financial year.

6. Monitoring of the Programmes

Concurrent monitoring of the Training Programmes will be carried-out by the Staff/Officers of the NSFDC by visiting the Training Centers and/or using Video Conferencing.

7. Evaluation

Third Party Evaluation Studies, on sample basis, would be commissioned every year for ascertaining the relevance and outcome of skill development training programmes and its impact on the socio-economic condition of the candidates covered.