Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) Scheme is a central government skill development program run by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It lets industries train candidates as per their own skill needs and gives trainees an industry-led environment that matches current market demand and modern technology.
The scheme follows the Employer Skiller model, where the employer itself trains the people it wants to hire. Registration and partnerships under this scheme are open, and the DGT keeps signing new MoUs with companies, the latest being with Bajaj Auto Ltd. in March 2026 to train youth in advanced automotive manufacturing.
Flexi-MoU Scheme - Introduction
Flexi-MoU Scheme bridges the gap between what industry needs and what the workforce can do. Instead of a fixed national curriculum, each participating company designs its own training program with the DGT, so the training stays relevant to the actual work being done. Courses are made for the specific sector and carry high employment potential.
The scheme works under the revised guidelines released in June 2024. All courses are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and training happens in the industry's own facilities using its machines, tools and shop floor. For IT and ITES type sectors, the courses can be run fully online.
Training lasts for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 24 months (2 years), combining classroom teaching with hands-on industry training. The company acts as an Industrial Training Partner (ITP) and must train at least 100 trainees every year, with an upper cap of 1,000 trainees per year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) Scheme |
| Launched By | Directorate General of Training (DGT) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiaries | Industries, MSMEs, start-ups, skill universities and trainees |
| Course Duration | Minimum 6 months, maximum 24 months |
| Training Capacity | Minimum 100, maximum 1,000 trainees per year |
| Official Portal | fleximou.dgt.gov.in |
Benefits
Both the company and the trainee get clear benefits from this scheme. The company gets trained manpower made exactly for its own work, while the trainee gets real industry experience and a recognised certificate.
- For participating enterprises, the scheme gives access to trained manpower through customised content made for their specific operations, plus full flexibility in selecting trainees.
- For trainees, it offers industry-relevant courses with strong employment potential, direct contact with experienced industry professionals, hands-on exposure to real shop floor work and modern equipment, and better chances of job placement in that sector.
- For the industry partner, the MoU is signed for 3 years and can be extended in slots of 3 years when the training performance is good, so the partnership can continue for a long time.
Eligibility
Enterprises and organisations that want to become an Industrial Training Partner must meet one of the following criteria. Trainees also need to satisfy the course-specific requirements.
Criteria for Enterprises and Organisations
- Private industry: Registered under Central, State or UT laws with an annual turnover above ₹100 crore and a positive net worth over the last 3 fiscal years.
- MSME: Registered as a Medium Enterprise with investment in plant and machinery not exceeding ₹50 crore and turnover under ₹250 crore.
- Start-ups: Registered under Central, State or UT laws with a turnover above ₹50 crore and positive net worth for the last 3 fiscal years.
- Government bodies: Undertakings, Public Sector Establishments, or government training institutions.
- Skill Universities: Must be approved by the UGC or established under a State Legislature Act.
Trainee Requirements
- Applicants must meet the educational and age qualifications set in the specific course curriculum.
- Applicants must meet the minimum age required for industrial employment or apprenticeship.
Application Process
The process to become an Industrial Training Partner and start training is given below in clear steps.
STEP 1 - Prepare a formal proposal detailing the course, batch size, available infrastructure and training site locations.
STEP 2 - Submit the offline proposal to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) for review.
STEP 3 - The DGT reviews the application and may ask for clarifications or conduct a site inspection of the training facilities.
STEP 4 - After a successful evaluation, the entity signs an MoU with the DGT as an Industrial Training Partner.
STEP 5 - Finalise the course curriculum and set the training schedule as per the sector needs.
STEP 6 - Conduct the admission process and upload trainee enrolment details on the official portal within 15 days of candidate selection.
STEP 7 - Run the training program combining classroom and practical modules for 6 to 24 months.
STEP 8 - The ITP conducts practical and formative assessments, while the DGT holds the final computer-based test and issues the e-National Trade Certificate (e-NTC).
STEP 9 - Track the placement status and make sure at least 50% of the successful trainees get placed within one year.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while preparing the proposal and MoU application.
- Registration Certificate of the organisation.
- Profile of leadership (Chairman, Director or Vice Chancellor).
- Audited balance sheets for the last three years.
- Annual turnover certificate, if applicable.
- Documentation about existing employee strength.
- Documentary proof of industry tie-ups for Skill Universities.
- Photographs and facility layouts of the training centres.
- Proposed course curriculum.
References
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this scheme?
The scheme reduces the gap between industry demand and trainee skills by letting enterprises design and run training in their own facilities, so trainees become job ready for that specific sector.
Who can become an Industrial Training Partner?
Industries, MSMEs, start-ups, government undertakings and UGC-approved skill universities that meet the turnover and operational criteria can take part.
What certification do trainees get?
Trainees who pass the final computer-based test held by the DGT are awarded the e-National Trade Certificate (e-NTC), which also makes them eligible for apprenticeship opportunities.
Is there a placement requirement?
Yes, the participating industry partner must make sure at least 50% of the trainees who complete the program successfully get placed.
How long is the training and the MoU?
Training lasts between 6 and 24 months. The MoU is signed for 3 years and can be extended in slots of 3 years when the performance is good.
Can the industry partner charge fees?
Yes, industry partners can set their own fee structure for the training programs they run under this scheme.