Skill Development Promotion Scheme

Skill Development Promotion Scheme is a Goa government scheme that supports retail educational institutes teaching programming and technical skills. It offers financial subsidies to help these centres grow and improve the quality of technical education across the state. The scheme is open for applications in 2026 through the Startup Goa portal.

Skill Development Promotion Scheme - Introduction

Skill Development Promotion Scheme is a key effort by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, to strengthen the startup ecosystem. It is part of the Goa Start-up Policy and encourages retail educational institutes that teach programming and technical skills to set up learning centres in the state. Institutes listed by the Startup Promotion Cell (SPC) and offering courses at pre-fixed rates receive subsidies and other operational benefits to help them succeed.

The scheme is still running in 2026. Applications are now accepted through the Startup Goa portal at startup.goa.gov.in, where institutes can register, fill in the form and upload their documents online. The Startup Promotion Cell reviews each application and releases approved funds within a fixed time.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives financial support to eligible institutes listed by the Startup Promotion Cell that offer technical courses at pre-fixed rates. Institutes can claim subsidies to lower their operating costs and expand their learning centre.

The maximum total benefit under this scheme cannot go beyond ₹ 10,00,000 per year. Only 10 institutes can get these benefits every year. Once the Startup Promotion Cell (SPC) approves the application, funds are released within 60 days. The SPC checks performance every year before approving continued support, and an institute can claim these benefits only once for a period of two consecutive years.

For example, if a small coding institute in Goa buys new hardware and pays its electricity bills, it can claim reimbursement for those expenses as long as it submits the digital payment receipts on time.

Eligibility

To get benefit from this scheme, an institute should meet the following criteria:

• The institute should hold a registration with the Startup Promotion Cell (SPC).
• It should have a valid Startup Cell Registration Number.
• The institute or the specific course it offers should be recognised by an authorised government body such as AICTE, UGC or NBA.
• It must have at least one operational learning centre in Goa.

Important: Digital payment methods should be used as the main mode of payment. Official records only accept expenses made digitally. If there is no digital receipt for a specific expense, the SPC carries out a due diligence check to decide if it is admissible. Preference is given to institutes that have formal tie-ups with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Application Process

Institutes can now apply online through the Startup Goa portal. The process is simple and done fully online.

STEP 1 - Visit the official Startup Goa portal and register yourself on the website, then log in with your credentials.

STEP 2 - Fill in the application form for the Skill Development Promotion Scheme with the correct details of your institute and the courses you offer.

STEP 3 - Attach all the relevant documents asked in the form, including proof of payments and bills.

STEP 4 - Submit the application and note down the acknowledgement number for tracking your application later.

Applications can also be submitted through the Goa Online service page for this scheme. The application should be submitted within 6 months of the date the expenses were incurred. The SPC reviews the submission and communicates the result within 45 days.

Documents

Make sure the following documents are ready before applying:

• Aadhaar card of relevant staff members.
• Employment contracts and salary slips of the concerned employees.
• Bank statements showing proof of salary debits linked to Aadhaar.
• Original bills from authorised vendors or service providers.
• Authorization letter from the OEM for vendor empanelment.
• Original proof of payments for electricity, internet, software and capital expenditure.
• Completed Annexure 1 documentation.

All bank accounts belonging to the directors and employees should be linked to their Aadhaar cards to avoid delays in processing.

References

Read the Full Guidelines | Download the Application Form

FAQ's

Can educational institutes use the benefits for any courses they offer?

No, the benefits apply only to courses under the technical areas or sectors specified in Annexure 2 of the guidelines.

What is the purpose of the authorization letter from OEMs?

The authorization letter is a required document that verifies the vendor empanelment process of the institute.

When can the approved amount be expected to be paid?

The authorities pay out the approved funds within 60 days of the approval date.

How long does the SPC take to evaluate applications?

The Startup Promotion Cell aims to inform applicants about acceptance or rejection within 45 days.

How many times can an institute avail of the benefits?

An institute can get these benefits only once for a maximum duration of two consecutive years.

Are there specific timelines to apply?

Yes, an institute should apply within 6 months of incurring the expenditure it wishes to claim.

Does the SPC make the final decision?

Yes, the Startup Promotion Cell is the final authority, and its decision remains binding for all applicants.