AI SummaryPradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana - Special Projects is a specialized skilling scheme run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for candidates who need training in job roles or settings that fall outside the normal short term training rules. The scheme is part of PMKVY 4.0, the current phase of the flagship skill certification programme being implemented between FY 2022-2026, and Special Projects continues to accept proposals from government bodies, corporates and industry partners in 2026.
Special Projects helps left out and at risk groups such as Scheduled Castes and Tribes, transgender persons, people with disabilities, women and poor families. It also covers candidates from hard to reach areas including aspirational districts, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, North East states, island territories and areas affected by Left Wing Extremism. The scheme allows flexible, project based training so that training providers can meet the needs of these groups properly.
Training under Special Projects happens in special premises of government bodies, corporate or industry bodies, and in job roles that are not defined under the available Qualification Packs or National Occupational Standards. A proposing stakeholder can be an institution of the Central or State Government, an autonomous or statutory body, or a corporate that wants to train candidates. NSDC runs the scheme on behalf of the ministry and handles proposals through a dedicated portal.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana - Special Projects - Introduction
PMKVY was launched on 15 July 2015 and has gone through several phases. The current phase, PMKVY 4.0, runs from FY 2022-2026 under the Skill India Programme and has three main parts: Short Term Training, Special Projects and Recognition of Prior Learning. Special Projects is the part that deals with training outside the standard short term training rules, so it is useful for candidates who cannot join regular courses.
Special Projects also supports new training models such as captive placement opportunities, entrepreneurial training and pathways for international employment. The scheme keeps a flexible approach so that candidates gain practical, job ready skills instead of only classroom learning.
Under the scheme rules, a share of the centrally managed training target is set aside for Special Projects, and states can use part of their training budget for local special projects. Proposals are reviewed and approved by committees set up for this purpose, so each project is checked before training starts.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana - Special Projects |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Implemented By | National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) |
| Current Phase | PMKVY 4.0 (FY 2022-2026) |
| Launch Date | 15 July 2015 |
| Beneficiary States | All states and union territories |
| Application Mode | Online through Skill India Digital Hub and NSDC Special Projects portal |
Benefits
Special Projects offers complete support to help candidates move ahead in their career. Candidates get counselling services, including online platforms, helplines and district level skill centers. Training programs include digital content, soft skills development and financial literacy training.
To make sure candidates complete the course, the scheme provides several types of support:
| Category | Benefit Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Protection | Accidental insurance cover of ₹2 Lakhs |
| Support Allowances | Boarding, lodging, conveyance and post placement stipends |
| Incentives | One time incentive for certified candidates and placement travel costs |
| Additional Support | Induction kits, participant handbooks and special support for people with disabilities |
All candidates must have a valid Aadhaar ID for enrollment, and at least 70% attendance is required to qualify for assessments. The scheme also supports career progression and international placement through bridge and language courses.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to left out and at risk groups. Eligible groups under Special Projects include:
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, transgender persons, people with disabilities, women and poor families.
- Candidates from aspirational districts, LWE affected areas, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, North East states and island territories.
- People who cannot meet the standard short term training parameters because of their special circumstances.
The category under which a candidate is covered must be recognized by the Government of India or the respective State Government.
Application Process
Application for Special Projects works differently from normal PMKVY registration because training is run through projects proposed by agencies. Candidates join a project after a training provider enrolls them. Here are the main steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the Skill India Digital Hub at Skill India Digital Hub PMKVY page and check the PMKVY section for updates on Special Projects and approved training providers.
STEP 2 - Find out about active Special Projects near you from the PMKVY official portal, district skill centers or the helpline.
STEP 3 - Keep identity documents and Aadhaar ready. Training providers and project implementation agencies enter candidate details into the system once a candidate enrolls in a project.
STEP 4 - For agencies and corporates that want to propose a project, the proposal is submitted through the NSDC Special Projects RFP portal.
Documents
Candidates should provide identity and background documents as required for the industry defined job role chosen for the project. Aadhaar is required for enrollment, and the training provider may ask for caste, disability or residence proof depending on the category under which the candidate is covered.
References
Skill India Digital Hub - PMKVY
NSDC Special Projects RFP Portal
FAQ's
Is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana - Special Projects still running in 2026?
Yes. Special Projects continues as a component of PMKVY 4.0, which is being implemented between FY 2022-2026 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through NSDC.
What is the coverage for accidental insurance?
Every certified candidate receives three year accidental insurance, also known as Kaushal Bima, providing coverage of ₹2 Lakhs.
Which job roles are available for training?
Special Projects covers job roles that are not part of the standard Qualification Packs. Candidates can check the updated job role list and project announcements on the PMKVY official portal.
What defines a Special Project?
These are fresh skilling projects that fall outside standard training rules, made for left out groups and training in special settings like government institutions or corporate premises.
What criteria must a project meet to be a Special Project?
A project is considered a Special Project if it involves job roles outside standard listings, makes sure of 80% or more captive placement, provides training in special institutional settings, or needs part funding from other organizations.
Who can apply as a training provider?
Any corporate, government institution, association or NGO can apply to become a training provider, provided they meet the scheme rules and qualification requirements.
Where can candidates find the job role lists?
Candidates can check the current PMKVY job role information on the Skill India Digital Hub and the PMKVY official portal.