New Delhi, September 25 (APAC Media): The Ministry of Rural Development is set to roll out skill training batches under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 across most participating states and Union Territories from October 2026, giving fresh momentum to the Centre’s rural skill development and employment initiative.
According to the DDU-GKY 2.0 portal, 24 States and UTs have allocated 5.6 lakh training targets across more than 1,200 projects to Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs). Other participating states and UTs are in advanced stages of completing their target allocations.
2,015 Training Batches to Start in October
Across the 24 States and UTs, 2,015 training batches involving around 70,000 rural youth are expected to commence in October 2026.
All 31 participating States and UTs have been allocated more than 9 lakh training targets for the two-year period from 2026 to 2028 under DDU-GKY 2.0.
The Ministry has urged implementing States and UTs to accelerate allocations to PIAs and begin training batches according to the planned schedule. Allocations for commencement of training are expected to be completed by October 31, 2026.
Review meetings are also being conducted in phases with states and UTs to speed up the processes leading to the commencement of batches.
What is DDU- GKY?
DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that provides placement-linked skill training to poor rural youth. Training programmes range from three to 12 months, depending on the course.
States and UTs are responsible for mobilising rural youth and organising demand-driven training in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. Courses are aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and are designed to improve beneficiaries’ long-term employability.
The revised DDU-GKY 2.0 framework places greater emphasis on industry-led training, sustainable employment, post-placement support, upskilling, and reskilling.
Over 18 Lakh Rural Youth Trained So Far
Launched on September 25, 2014, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), DDU-GKY focuses on youth from marginalised and vulnerable rural households.
The programme primarily targets rural youth aged 15 to 35 years, connecting skill development with employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
As of June 2026, 18.45 lakh rural youth had been trained under DDU-GKY, of whom 12.35 lakh had been placed, highlighting the scheme’s role in linking rural skills with employment opportunities.
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