The Ministry of Rural Development is preparing to start training batches under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 across most states and union territories from October 2026. Around 70,000 rural youth are expected to enrol in approximately 2,015 training batches across 24 states and UTs that have already allocated targets to Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs).
DDU-GKY 2.0 is a centrally funded scheme that provides skill training directly linked to job placement opportunities for economically poor youth living in villages. The scheme operates through partnerships between government, private sector and training agencies to ensure that trainees gain employment after completing their courses.
Key facts
- 70,000 rural youth expected to start training in October 2026
- 2,015 training batches across 24 states and union territories
- 5.6 lakh (560,000) training targets allocated to more than 1,200 projects
- 9 lakh (900,000) total targets allocated across all 31 participating states and UTs for 2026-28
- Training duration ranges from 3 months to 12 months
- Target allocation deadline for states and UTs is 31 October 2026
What is DDU-GKY 2.0
DDU-GKY 2.0 is the second phase of a scheme designed to equip rural youth with market-relevant skills that lead directly to employment. The training courses are aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), a standardised system that ensures the quality and recognition of skill certifications across India.
The scheme operates through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, meaning that government agencies, private companies and training providers work together to design and deliver courses based on what employers actually need. This approach helps ensure that trainees learn skills that industries are actively hiring for, rather than theoretical knowledge disconnected from job markets.
How the scheme works
States and union territories are responsible for identifying and recruiting eligible rural youth, organising the training programmes, and ensuring that trainees are placed in jobs after completion. Training providers are selected through competitive processes and paid to deliver courses in sectors where employment demand exists.
Each state and UT has been given a target number of youth to train during the 2026-28 period. By 31 October 2026, all participating states and UTs must assign these targets to specific Project Implementation Agencies that will run the training batches.
The training duration varies depending on the skill being taught and the industry requirements. Some courses run for three months while others extend to one year, allowing trainees to build deeper competency in complex trades.
Scale and coverage
The scheme involves all 31 states and union territories across India. Allocations have been completed by 24 states and UTs as of September 2026, with remaining states in advanced stages of finalising their allocations.
The 9 lakh target youth across the country represents a significant expansion of skill development efforts in rural India. The geographical spread across all states ensures that remote and economically backward areas also get access to placement-linked training.
What this means for you
If you are a rural youth aged between 15 and 35 years from a poor economic background, DDU-GKY 2.0 offers a pathway to acquire marketable skills and secure employment. Unlike general education, the training is specifically designed to match what employers need, improving your chances of finding a job.
Students preparing for competitive exams should note that this announcement indicates government focus on skill development as a complement to formal education. The scheme demonstrates the government’s strategy to reduce unemployment in rural areas through vocational training.
For trainers and training organisations, the scheme creates opportunities to partner with government as Project Implementation Agencies and deliver NSQF-aligned courses across multiple sectors.
What happens next
States and UTs are expected to accelerate the allocation of targets to Project Implementing Agencies and commence training batches as planned. The Ministry of Rural Development is holding phased review meetings with implementing states and UTs to monitor progress and ensure that batches begin on schedule from October 2026.