National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities

National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP) is a Central government scheme that offers high-quality vocational training to Indian citizens with disabilities. This scheme helps PwDs acquire job-ready skills, leading to meaningful employment opportunities, self-reliance, and active participation in society.

Launched in March 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this scheme works as part of the broader SIPDA Umbrella Scheme. The department has kept the scheme current with updated guidelines, a revised standard operating procedure, and a fresh gazette notification released in 2025 and 2026.

National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities - Introduction

NAP-SDP provides structured, high-quality vocational education through a wide network of training partners, including government bodies, public sector units, and private training institutions. The main aim is to help PwDs become productive contributors to society by gaining skills that match industry standards.

As of August 2026, the scheme continues to accept training proposals and candidate registrations through the official PM-DAKSH-DEPwD portal. The department released a gazette notification on 2 July 2025, revised the standard operating procedure on 3 March 2025, and held the 31st Selection Committee Meeting on 14 January 2026 to approve new training projects.

Key Information

Benefits

Eligible people get support through a structured training system that focuses on high employability. Main benefits of the scheme are given below:

• Vocational Skills: Access to both short-term and long-term skill training courses made for high employability and matched to the needs of the job market.
• Sectoral Support: Training is delivered through the Sector Skill Council for PwDs (SCPwD), which makes sure the courses meet industry standards and approved job roles.
• Mentorship: Dedicated mentorship projects help candidates find out about self-employment options based on their specific disability needs and professional interests.

Eligibility

To take part in this skill-building process, a candidate should meet the following conditions:

1. Candidate should be a citizen of India.
2. Candidate should have a disability of at least 40% as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
3. Candidate should be between 15 and 59 years of age at the start of the chosen course.
4. Candidate should not have completed another skill training course funded by this department within one year before the current application.
5. Candidate should enroll in NCVET-approved courses that match their qualifications and disability type.

Application Process

Applications for NAP-SDP training are submitted online through the official PM-DAKSH-DEPwD portal. Candidates can also check the PM Daksh Portal for Divyangjan for related skill and job updates. The process is given below in simple steps.

STEP 1 - Visit the official PM-DAKSH-DEPwD portal and click on Candidate Registration.

STEP 2 - Enter basic personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and educational qualifications.

STEP 3 - Provide training preferences, including the preferred institute, location, and the specific course to join.

STEP 4 - Enter accurate bank details, including IFSC code and account number, so that any potential benefits can reach the candidate directly through DBT.

STEP 5 - Choose a username and password, then verify the account using the OTP sent to the registered mobile number or email.

STEP 6 - Log in with the credentials, upload the required documents in the requested size (10-50 kb), and double-check the application form before final submission.

STEP 7 - Submit the application and keep the confirmation details safe to track the status through the dashboard.

Documents

Candidates should keep the following documents ready while filling the application form:

1. UDID Card Number or UDID Enrolment Number.
2. Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar enrolment slip.
3. Valid Disability Certificate.
4. Proof of age such as Birth Certificate or School Certificate.
5. Caste Certificate, if the candidate belongs to a category that requires one.

References

For official records and further details, these links can be used:

1. Official NAP-SDP Scheme Guidelines (Applicable from October 2023)
2. List of Courses and Job Roles for PwDs
3. Gazette Notification for NAP-SDP
4. DEPwD Skill Development of PwDs Page

FAQ's

Who manages the development of job roles under this scheme?

Sector Skill Councils for PwDs develop these job roles, and training is delivered through courses matching the National Skills Qualifications Framework.

Are assessments conducted based on specific industry standards?

Yes, all assessments and certifications are conducted by authorized agencies against strict National Occupational Standards to make sure the quality stays high.

What is the role of Employability Skills courses?

Completing an Employability Skills course is required before a candidate starts the chosen domain-specific training, so that they are ready for the professional workforce.

How does the department monitor the quality of training?

The NDFDC and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities conduct regular monitoring and, if needed, physical inspections of the training premises.

What happens if a training project does not start on time?

If a training project fails to start within two months of its approval, the project will be automatically canceled by the department.

Are there specific requirements for trainers?

Yes, the trainer must be certified by the relevant Sector Skill Council and meet the qualifications specified in the official course pack. In May 2026, the department also extended the validity of Train the Trainer certificates for the Employability Skills (Divyangjan) course.