IndiaSkills 2025-26: 162 skilled youth from eight NE states to compete on national platform

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will organise the North East Regional Competition of IndiaSkills 2025–26 from January 19 to 22, 2026, at Gauhati University, marking a historic first in India’s skilling ecosystem. For the first time, a dedicated IndiaSkills Regional Competition exclusively for the North Eastern Region is being held, bringing together talented youth from all eight North Eastern states on a single competitive platform.

The regional contest will see 162 skilled competitors battling across 26 skill categories, highlighting the region’s growing vocational capabilities while strengthening pathways from grassroots skilling to national and global platforms. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the knowledge partner and implementing agency for the IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26.

The competition will be formally inaugurated on January 19 by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India. His presence underscores the Centre’s commitment to strengthening skill development, regional equity, and competitive excellence in emerging regions.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the event, Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, MSDE, described the North East Regional Competition as a decisive step towards deepening India’s skilling architecture and unlocking region-specific potential aligned with national priorities and industry demand.

IndiaSkills is the country’s premier national skill competition framework, designed to identify, nurture, and benchmark India’s top vocational talent against global standards. It also provides a structured progression pathway for skilled youth—from local and regional stages to national and international platforms, including the WorldSkills Competition.

The ongoing IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26 has recorded one of its widest participation footprints, with 3.65 lakh candidates registering from 35 States and Union Territories across 63 skill categories, through the Skill India Digital Hub.

The North East Regional Competition will begin with a familiarisation programme on January 19, followed by the Opening Ceremony at the B.K.B Auditorium, Gauhati University. The initiative has been conceptualised to reduce geographic and logistical barriers, strengthen regional skill ecosystems, and identify high-potential candidates with strong industry relevance.

Built on an integrated framework, the competition ensures robust industry alignment, high-quality assessment standards, and adherence to national and international benchmarks. Winners from the North East Regional Competition will progress to the national stage of IndiaSkills 2025–26, adding momentum to India’s growing pipeline of globally competitive skilled professionals.