Greater Noida, March 29, 2026 | The National Skill Competition 2025–26 under the Skill India initiative was inaugurated with grandeur and enthusiasm at Gautam Buddha University, bringing together hundreds of young participants from across the country.
The event witnessed the participation of around 650 contestants representing 36 states and Union Territories, who will compete across 63 different skill categories, showcasing their expertise and talent on a national platform.
Focus on Skill Development and Youth Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasised that skill development is a continuous process driven by consistent practice, dedication, and self-improvement.
She praised the participants for reaching the national stage, describing each of them as a “skill icon” in their own right. She also highlighted the importance of skill development as a foundation for the country’s overall growth, stating that the energy and capabilities of youth will help position India as a global “Skill Nation.”
India’s Global Standing in Skill Competitions
Manisha Sharma, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, noted that India currently ranks 13th globally and 8th in Asia in the WorldSkills rankings.
She stressed the importance of skilling, reskilling, and upskilling in preparing young individuals for future challenges, particularly in a rapidly evolving global job market.
Inaugural Address Highlights Role of Skills in Growth
The programme commenced with an inaugural address by Arun Kumar Pillai, Chief Executive Officer of the National Skill Development Corporation. He described skill development as a cornerstone of national progress and encouraged participants to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Cultural Display and Unity in Diversity
A key highlight of the event was the march past by teams from various states, reflecting the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” The display symbolised unity in diversity and showcased the cultural richness of the country.
The event also featured vibrant cultural performances, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and energising participants and attendees alike.
Oath Ceremony Emphasises Fair Competition
Another significant moment during the inauguration was the oath-taking ceremony. Sadhana, a participant from the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, administered the oath to fellow contestants, pledging to compete with fairness, honesty, and full dedication.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary (SEED), Assam, and R P Singh, Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University, along with other officials and stakeholders from the skill development ecosystem.
Vote of Thanks and Future Outlook
Concluding the programme, Prashant Sinha, Chief Operating Officer of the National Skill Development Corporation, expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and partner organisations for their contributions to the successful .
He stated that such initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening India’s skill development framework and will help create a more capable and future-ready workforce.
Strengthening India’s Skill Ecosystem
The National Skill Competition serves as a key platform for identifying and nurturing talent across diverse sectors, aligning with the broader objectives of the Skill India mission. It also plays a vital role in preparing participants for international competitions such as WorldSkills.
With participation from across the country and strong institutional support, the competition is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing India’s global standing in skill development and vocational excellence.
As the competition progresses, it will continue to highlight the capabilities of India’s youth and reinforce the importance of skills as a driver of economic growth and innovation.
