PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) — free skill training for minority communities
Government of India (Ministry of Minority Affairs)
Overview
A flagship scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs for the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship and leadership training. It covers both traditional crafts and modern job roles, with a focus on NSQF-compliant, market-oriented courses.
Training is free and a stipend is paid during training. It also offers job placement links, exhibitions and domestic/global market access, credit support for self-employment, and leadership and entrepreneurship training, especially for women. Preserving traditional arts and creating craft villages is part of the scheme.
People from the Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities — generally aged 14–45 for skilling and 18–45 for the leadership and entrepreneurship components — can apply through authorised centres or official platforms.
At a glance
- Administering authority
- Government of India (Ministry of Minority Affairs)
- Scheme type
- Employment & Skills
- Place of posting / area
- All India
- Application mode
- Offline
- Important dates
- Applications accepted year-round
Benefits
- Free training in traditional crafts and modern job roles
- Stipend during training
- Leadership and entrepreneurship training, especially for women
- Job placement support and industry links
- Exhibitions and domestic/global market access
- Loans and financial help for self-employment
- Preservation of traditional arts and creation of craft villages
Eligibility
- People from notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis)
- Age: generally 14–45 for skilling/education and 18–45 for leadership and entrepreneurship
- Education: NSQF norms for skilling courses; NIOS/Open School norms for education
- Significant reservation for women in training; 100% in the women's leadership component
- Artisans and youth in traditional crafts or seeking job skills
Required documents
- ID proof
- Educational certificates
- Voter ID (EPIC)
- Aadhaar
How to apply
- Choose the component you want: skilling, education or entrepreneurship
- Apply through authorised centres or official platforms (in West Bengal, through the minorities development and finance corporation)
- Submit ID proof, educational certificates, EPIC, Aadhaar, etc.
- Shortlisting by eligibility and programme criteria
- Join the training, schooling or leadership course
- Get a certificate plus placement/credit/enterprise support
Last updated: 1 Nov 2026
Report an error
