Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan is a digital literacy scheme of the ministry of electronics and information technology that helps rural citizens learn basic digital skills. The scheme aims to make 6 crore people in rural India digitally literate by covering one member from every eligible rural household, reaching around 40% of rural households across all states and union territories.

Registration for the scheme is open through Common Service Centres and the official portal pmgdisha.in. The training is free and ends with a NIELIT certificate for those who clear the assessment. As per the latest figures, over 6.39 crore people have registered, around 5.93 crore have been trained, and about 4.62 crore have been certified.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan - Introduction

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan, known as PMGDISHA, is a central government scheme launched in 2017 under the Digital India programme. It focuses on people in rural areas who have not yet used digital devices. The main aim is to train at least one digitally non-literate member from every eligible rural household so that families can use online government services, make safe digital payments, and take part in the digital economy.

The scheme targets rural residents between 14 and 60 years of age. Priority is given to non-smartphone users, Antyodaya households, college drop-outs, and students in classes 9th to 12th who do not have computer training in their schools. Extra preference goes to SC, ST, BPL families, women, people with disabilities, and minorities.

Learners get trained to operate digital devices such as smartphones and tablets, send and receive emails, browse the internet, access government services, and make digital payments. The training is delivered through Common Service Centres spread across the country, and the course content is available in 22 scheduled languages.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme helps rural citizens learn to use digital devices and online services with confidence. After the training, learners can browse the internet, use email, make cashless payments through UPI or AePS, and access government portals such as DigiLocker and UMANG.

The training course spans 20 hours and includes modules on operating digital devices, using the internet, communication tools, and digital financial tools. Content is available in 22 scheduled languages so that learning is easy for everyone. Learners also get to know how to use services like caste certificate applications, banking, railway reservations, and electricity bill payments.

On average, the scheme targets 200 to 300 beneficiaries per gram panchayat, with exact targets decided by the district e-governance society based on local population needs. Villages under Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana are given full digital literacy coverage.

Eligibility

To take part in Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan, a person should meet the following conditions:

• The applicant must be digitally illiterate and live in a rural area.
• Only one person per household can be selected, and the household should have no other digitally literate member.
• The applicant must be between 14 and 60 years of age and should have an Aadhaar card.

Priority in selection is given to these groups:

• Non-smartphone users, Antyodaya households, and college drop-outs.
• Students in classes 9th to 12th who do not have computer facilities in their schools.
• SC, ST, BPL families, women, differently-abled persons, and minorities.

Exclusions

Areas identified as urban agglomerations are not covered under this scheme. The list of excluded cities can be checked in the appendix of the official scheme guidelines on the pmgdisha.in portal.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan training centre or a Common Service Centre and ask for the enrolment form.

STEP 2 - Carry the Aadhaar card and a mobile number linked to Aadhaar for registration. The centre checks the eligibility of the applicant.

STEP 3 - Once registered, the applicant receives a unique username and password to access the training portal.

STEP 4 - Attend the free 20-hour training on digital devices, internet, email, and digital payments at the assigned centre.

STEP 5 - After the training, appear for the NIELIT assessment exam. Those who pass get an official digital literacy certificate.

Documents Required

Applicants need to submit a few basic documents during enrolment:

• Aadhaar number for identity verification.
• Proof of age or date of birth.
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

References

PMGDISHA Official Website | PMGDISHA on India.gov.in | PMGDISHA on UMANG | PMGDISHA Youtube Channel

FAQ's

What does the PMGDISHA training cover?

The 20-hour course covers smartphone and computer basics, internet browsing, email, digital payments through UPI and BHIM, online banking, and use of government apps like UMANG and DigiLocker.

Is the PMGDISHA certificate recognized?

Yes, learners who clear the NIELIT assessment receive an official digital literacy certificate that is recognized for digital literacy proof.

Is there any fee for PMGDISHA training?

No, the training is free for eligible rural citizens. There is no application fee, and no third party can speed up the approval process.

What is the duration of the training program?

The course spans 20 hours of instruction, which must be completed within a period of 10 to 30 days.

Who can be a training partner?

An organization registered in India that has been running education or IT literacy business for over three years, with a valid PAN and audited accounts, can apply to be a training partner.

What is the training fee paid to partners?

A training fee of ₹300 per candidate is paid directly to the authorized training partner after the trainee is successfully certified.