The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has sent off a 70-member Indian team to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the world’s leading vocational skills competition. The contingent will participate across 63 skill categories at the event scheduled for 22 to 27 September 2026 in Shanghai, China. This represents India’s largest team ever fielded at the global skills championship.
What India is sending to Shanghai
Team India will compete in 63 skill areas at the 48th WorldSkills Competition. Among these, 11 categories mark India’s first-time participation in new and emerging skill domains. These debut areas include Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Aircraft Maintenance.
The preparation of competitors has involved support from State Governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutions and industry partners. They have provided specialised facilities, equipment, technical expertise and international exposure to ensure participants meet global standards.
At the send-off ceremony at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi, the Ministry also announced the first cohort of the WorldSkills India Champions Club, comprising 16 former competitors and medallists. This club will serve as a mentoring network to guide future competitors and promote skills-based careers among young Indians.
India’s track record and global context
India ranked 13th at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, securing four Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence. The country also achieved eighth position in Asia at WorldSkills Asia 2025. India’s standing has improved significantly from its 29th position in 2015. The Shanghai competition will bring together more than 1,400 competitors from over 60 countries and regions, competing across 64 skill competitions in total.
What this means for you
If you are pursuing vocational training or considering a career in skilled trades, this contingent’s participation signals that India is expanding opportunities in advanced technical fields beyond traditional crafts. The creation of the Champions Club means mentorship from successful skill competitors will become more available. The government’s focus on sending larger teams to international competitions also reflects growing investment in skill development infrastructure across states.