Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship confers National Award to Teachers (For Excellence in Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship Development) every year to honor outstanding faculty, trainers and master trainers. The award recognizes people who deliver exceptional results in long-term and short-term vocational training as well as entrepreneurship education.
For the 2026 cycle, nominations were invited on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal from 14 July 2026 to 23 July 2026. A total of 16 awards are given across five categories, and every winner receives a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Winners are felicitated on 5 September every year on Teachers Day.
National Award to Teachers (For Excellence in Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship Development) - Introduction
National Award for Excellence in Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship Development is a national recognition scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It celebrates faculty, trainers and master trainers who have shown proven skill in their field and set a benchmark for the whole skill ecosystem. The award also encourages more people to join the Skill India mission and make skilling a respected career path.
Award Structure:
A total of 16 awards are presented each year across five main categories. The break-up for the 2026 cycle is given below.
- Category I: Best Skill Trainers (Long-Term Training) - 9 awards, split across top trades, remaining engineering and non-engineering trades, Divyang trades and New Age courses.
- Category II: Best Skill Trainers (Short-Term Training) - 3 awards, covering manufacturing and service, emerging and New Age, and traditional sectors.
- Category III: Best Master Trainers (Long-Term Training) - 2 awards, one each for engineering and non-engineering trades.
- Category IV: Best Master Trainers (Short-Term Training) - 1 award.
- Category V: Excellence in Entrepreneurship Development - 1 award.
Key Information
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|
| Award Benefit | Medal, Certificate and ₹50,000 cash prize |
| Application Mode | Online (Rashtriya Puraskar Portal) |
| Target Audience | Trainers, Master Trainers and Faculty |
| Scope | National (All States) |
Benefits
Every selected awardee is honored with the following:
- A formal medal presented at the award ceremony.
- An official certificate of recognition from the government.
- A cash prize of ₹50,000.
Winners also get to and fro travel along with boarding and lodging to receive the award on Teachers Day on 5 September.
Eligibility
Trainer and Master Trainer Categories:
- Long-term trainers and master trainers must be engaged on a regular basis. Trainers under Category I must also be registered on the National Instructor Management System (NIMS) with an Instructor Permanent Registration Number (IPRN).
- Candidates must have at least five years of full-time experience in CTS or CITS as applicable.
- Short-term trainers and master trainers must be under 55 years of age and registered on the Skill India Digital Hub with valid certification at least up to October 2026, or certified by an Awarding Body with valid certification up to October 2026.
- Short-term candidates need a minimum of 3 years of cumulative experience in the short-term training ecosystem under MSDE, NSDC or recognized programs.
- Applicants must NOT be above 55 years of age on the last date of application.
- Past recipients of the Kaushalacharya Award or this National Award in earlier years cannot be nominated again.
- Candidates can apply under only one award category.
Entrepreneurship Category:
- Applicants must be regular faculty members teaching entrepreneurship at institutions recognized by UGC, AICTE, or those established by an Act of Parliament.
- People engaged on a regular basis in implementing entrepreneurship development programs in Central or State government institutions, including autonomous bodies, are also eligible.
- Candidates must have at least five years of full-time teaching or implementation experience.
- Age must not exceed 55 years on the application deadline.
Application Process
Registration and Submission steps
Applications are processed exclusively through the official national awards portal, known as the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. For the 2026 cycle, the nomination window was open from 14 July to 23 July 2026.
STEP 1 - Visit the official awards website at Rashtriya Puraskar Portal and click on the registration option.
STEP 2 - Choose the Individual or Organization tab and complete the profile details, including name, date of birth, contact information and Aadhaar card number.
STEP 3 - Once registered, log in to the account using the OTP-based verification.
STEP 4 - Go to the Award Library, select the relevant scheme, and click on the 'Nominate / Apply Now' button.
STEP 5 - Fill out the application form with all required details and upload the supporting documents before submitting. No changes are allowed after submission.
Documents
Applicants must upload the following supporting documents during the online application process:
- Formal proof of professional eligibility and experience certificates signed by the head of the institution.
- Annexure-I issued by the designated nominating authority for the relevant category.
- Detailed reports or evidence of professional contributions and achievements.
- Supporting testimonials or verification documents, including citations.
- Signed declarations of authenticity and vigilance clearance where applicable.
References
For further details, refer to the following official resources:
FAQ's
What is the purpose of this award?
The award celebrates excellence in vocational training and entrepreneurship development achieved by dedicated faculty and trainers.
Who is eligible to nominate?
Nominations can be submitted via self-nomination, or by designated search-cum-screening committees and nominating authorities.
Can I apply for multiple categories?
No, candidates are permitted to submit an application for only one category.
What is the maximum age limit?
Applicants must be 55 years of age or younger on the date of application submission.
Will I receive a cash prize?
Yes, all winners are awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000 in addition to a medal and certificate.
How many individuals are honored annually?
The ministry confers a total of 16 awards every year across all categories.