AI SummarySmile - Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons Skill Development And Training offers free market-oriented skill training to transgender persons aged 18 to 45, along with a monthly stipend of ₹1000 during the training period. This central scheme is part of the SMILE umbrella programme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and applications are accepted through the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
The scheme is designed to help transgender people build a stable career with dignity. Training areas are chosen after national consultations with the transgender community so that the skills match current industry demand. Under the scheme, two types of training programmes are offered.
Smile - Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons Skill Development And Training - Introduction
This scheme provides employment opportunities to persons belonging to the transgender community by equipping them with market-oriented skills. The focus is on improving vocational capability so that eligible people can build a stable and respectful career. The training areas are selected carefully through national consultations with the transgender community to make sure they match industry demand.
Eligible transgender persons can choose from two types of specialised training programmes:
- Short Term Training: These programmes range from 200 to 600 hours and last up to 6 months.
- Long Term Training: These programmes are designed for longer engagement, lasting 5 months up to 1 year, and totalling up to 1000 hours.
The scheme continues to run in 2026 under the revised guidelines of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Eligible applicants can register and apply through the official National Portal for Transgender Persons.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Smile - Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons Skill Development And Training |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual (Transgender persons) |
| States | All India |
| Broad Categories | Skills & Employment, Social Welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Stipend | ₹1000 per month (non-residential training) |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Effective From | 2022-01-01 |
Benefits
This scheme supports professional growth through the following benefits:
- Free Training: Eligible persons receive high-quality skill development training fully free of cost.
- Stipend: Those who join non-residential training receive a stipend of ₹1000 per month.
- Placement Support: Training institutions help with wage or self-employment opportunities after the course.
- Career Support: Post-placement support is given provided the candidate keeps 80% attendance in the training programme.
Keeping 80% live attendance is very important to receive the monthly stipend and the final course completion certificate.
Eligibility
To take part in this scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- A valid Transgender Certificate and Identity card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
- Applicant must belong to the transgender community as notified by the Government of India.
- Age must be between 18 and 45 years.
- Applicant should not be receiving similar benefits from any other Central or State government scheme.
- There is no minimum income requirement to join the programme.
Training under this scheme can be availed only once, and a person can take part in only one skill development programme. For example, if a candidate completes a tailoring course, they cannot enroll for another course under this scheme.
Application Process
Applicants can apply online through the National Portal for Transgender Persons. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official National Portal for Transgender Persons and log in using the credentials used to get the Transgender Certificate and Identity card.
STEP 2 - Go to the Skill Training tab on the dashboard and click on Apply Now.
STEP 3 - Enter the unique Transgender Certificate number and other basic details as asked.
STEP 4 - Select the state and district where training will be received and choose two skill programme preferences.
STEP 5 - Provide the details of the Aadhaar-linked bank account, then click on Confirm to complete the registration.
After registration, the candidate is allotted a batch and must visit the training institute. A psychometric test is held to assess aptitude and suitability, and passing this test is required before enrollment in the course. Each candidate must give 80% live attendance to get the stipend and the course completion certificate.
Those who do not have a Transgender Identity Certificate must first register on the National Portal for Transgender Persons under Online Registration, fill in the personal details, upload the required documents and submit the form to receive the certificate.
Documents
A valid Transgender Identity Certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is required for the application.
References
View Official SMILE Scheme Page
SMILE Scheme 2026 Guidelines PDF
SMILE Scheme for Transgenders & Beggars
FAQ's
Are the training programmes free of cost?
Yes, the skill development training programmes under this scheme are fully free of cost.
Is there any income criterion for availing this scheme?
No, there is no income restriction for taking part in the skill development programme.
Is it compulsory to have a Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal?
Yes, holding a valid Transgender Certificate issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment through the national portal is required for eligibility.
Can I apply for multiple skill and training programmes?
No, a candidate is eligible to undergo training under this scheme only once and can take part in only one skill development programme.