The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has announced that India will enter eleven skill categories for the first time at the 48th WorldSkills Competition scheduled in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026. India will field nearly 70 competitors across 63 out of 64 total skill categories, representing one of the country’s largest teams ever sent to this global event. The new areas reflect India’s push into advanced technologies, healthcare, creative industries and next-generation manufacturing.
The Eleven New Skills and Key Numbers
India will debut in the following skill categories:
- 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
- Aircraft Maintenance
The National Skill Development Corporation is leading India’s preparation through partnerships with training institutions and industry bodies including the Government Tool Room and Training Centre Karnataka, Bennett University, Croma, Titan Company, Shoppers Stop, SANY Heavy Industry and others.
India’s track record in global skills competitions has improved steadily. The country ranked 29th at WorldSkills in 2015 and rose to 13th position in 2024. At WorldSkills Asia 2025, India secured 8th rank across the region.
What This Means for You
Young Indians trained in these emerging fields now have a chance to test their abilities against international standards and potentially earn recognition that carries weight globally. If you are pursuing or considering training in drone technology, dental work, digital design, vehicle maintenance or software quality assurance, your skill level can now be formally benchmarked through India’s participation in this competition. This broader skill coverage also signals that Indian training institutions are expanding beyond traditional trades into areas where jobs are growing, both domestically and internationally.