AI SummarySaksham - KVK 2.0 is a skill development scheme by Gujarat Skill Development Mission (GSDM) under Labour and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat. It offers free Short-Term Training and Special Projects to help residents of Gujarat improve their employability, earn professional certification, and start new business opportunities.
This scheme brings vocational training to taluka and village level through Saksham Centers. Training is offered in NSQF level 1, 2 and 3 courses along with Gujarat Council of Vocational Training (GCVT) courses. After a successful pilot in ten districts, the scheme is now being rolled out across all 33 districts of Gujarat, and registration for the current phase remains open on the GSDM portal.
Saksham - Kvk 2.0 - Introduction
Saksham - KVK 2.0 builds on the earlier Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra (KVK) programme that started in 2009 and reached over 19 lakh beneficiaries over the past decade. The revamped version focuses on delivering demand-driven training at block and taluka level, with industries acting as training partners.
The scheme works through empanelled Implementation Partners, which include reputed industries, educational institutions and training partners. Training is delivered under two categories. Short-Term Training (STT) covers NSQF and GCVT aligned courses of around 300 hours with On-the-Job Training as a core part. Special Projects are short, project-based skilling schemes made for specific groups that need extra support, such as jail inmates, former prisoners, women, transgender community, senior citizens, rural artisans, migrant workers and persons with disabilities.
GSDM covers the assessment and certification cost directly, so candidates do not pay any assessment or certification fee. Once a candidate maintains the required attendance, certification is issued by the Sector Skill Council or GCVT.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Saksham - KVK 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Gujarat |
| Category | Skills and Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Training and Skill Up-gradation, Academic qualification Up-Gradation, Vocational education |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Labour and Employment Department |
| Tags | Skill, Training, Youth, Entrepreneurship, Certification, Placement |
Benefits
Training Benefits
You get comprehensive training of around 300 hours, which includes practical On-the-Job training so you gain real work experience. For example, if you join a retail management course, part of your 300 hours is spent working in a live retail environment. Specialized modules are available for groups that need extra support under Special Projects. All training happens at local Saksham Centers with trainers certified by Sector Skill Councils, and you get to attend guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs.
Assessment and Certification Benefits
You do not pay any assessment or certification fee, as these are fully covered by Gujarat Skill Development Mission. Once you attend at least 70% of your classroom and On-the-Job training sessions, you become eligible for official certification by Sector Skill Councils or GCVT.
Employment Support Benefits
The scheme provides placement support. Beyond finding a wage-paying job, you are supported in exploring options like apprenticeships, self-employment, or service aggregator roles. Your progress is tracked after placement to help you settle in well.
Infrastructure Benefits
All training centers are set up with required furniture, modern teaching aids, and equipment specific to your chosen job role. Facilities include separate toilets for boys and girls, drinking water, and Aadhaar-based biometric attendance to track your learning progress.
Eligibility
To benefit from Saksham - KVK 2.0, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be a domicile of Gujarat.
- For Short Term Training, you should be between 14 and 59 years old.
- For Special Projects, you should be between 14 and 65 years old.
- You should be currently unemployed, a school or college dropout, or someone seeking to reskill or upskill.
Eligibility for Special Projects
Special Projects are made for individuals who need extra support, such as jail inmates, former prisoners, residents of juvenile or shelter homes, women, people from the transgender community, senior citizens, those recovering from mental illness, rural artisans, migrant workers, or people with disabilities.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
STEP 1 - Visit the official portal. Create your account using your mobile number and email. After verifying via OTP, complete your profile with educational and personal details, and upload a clear passport-sized photo (maximum 100kb).
STEP 2 - Browse the available NSQF and GCVT job roles. Select a training category, either Short Term Training or Special Projects, that matches your goals. You can search for the nearest Saksham Center in your preferred district.
STEP 3 - Fill out the application form carefully. Ensure all documents are scanned in PDF format (up to 2MB). Double-check your details before clicking submit. Save your application reference number for tracking.
Support
If you face any issues, contact Gujarat Skill Development Mission at Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Block No. 2, Third Floor, Gandhinagar - 382010. You may also call 079-232-53815 for assistance.
Documents
Keep these documents ready for your application:
- Aadhaar Card (copy for reference).
- Domicile Certificate of Gujarat.
- Age Proof (birth certificate or School Leaving Certificate).
- Latest Educational Certificates.
- Self-declaration form regarding your employment or education status.
- Category certificates if applying under Special Projects, such as SC or ST or Disability certificates.
References
SAKSHAM KVK 2.0 Website | Official Guidelines (PDF) | Phase II Guidelines (PDF) | Exam Syllabus Details
FAQ's
What is the minimum age to apply?
You must be at least 14 years old to apply for any training program.
Can I apply if I am 62 years old?
If you are applying for a Special Project, yes, you are eligible as the limit is 65. For regular Short Term Training, the age limit is 59.
Do I need to pay any fees?
No, there are zero fees for assessment or certification under this scheme.
What is the attendance requirement?
You should maintain at least 70% attendance in both classroom and practical training to qualify for your certificate.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes, you must be a legitimate domicile of Gujarat to participate.
What if I am a college dropout?
You are highly encouraged to apply. This scheme is specifically made to help people who have left education and are looking for professional skills.