New Delhi, March 30: The 'IndiaSkills National Competition 2025–26' has officially begun, gathering more than 650 contestants from various parts of the nation to compete in 63 different skill categories.

This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and backed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), showcases top talents who have emerged from regional competitions held nationwide.

The event aims to foster skill excellence and prepare a workforce that meets national objectives.

During her address, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of MSDE, emphasized that platforms like IndiaSkills are crucial in motivating young individuals to pursue careers based on skills and to excel in their respective fields.

She also mentioned that India is gearing up to send a robust team to the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, highlighting the country's commitment to developing a skilled workforce that can compete globally.

Manisha Sensarma, Senior Economic Adviser at MSDE, noted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a structured and industry-aligned skilling ecosystem, with involvement from over 200 industry partners across various sectors.

NSDC CEO Arunkumar Pillai stressed the significance of collaboration with industries, pointing out that the competition ensures that training aligns with real-world needs and international standards.

This edition has seen over 3.65 lakh registrations from 36 states and Union Territories via the Skill India Digital Hub, indicating a rising interest among youth in skill-oriented careers, according to government sources.

The competition encompasses a diverse array of fields, ranging from traditional skills like electrical installation and electronics to modern sectors such as cyber security, additive manufacturing, autonomous mobile robotics, and Industry 4.0.

Participants will be evaluated by industry experts based on criteria such as precision, efficiency, and compliance with global standards.

Out of the 63 categories, 43 will be conducted onsite, while the rest will be assessed through offsite methods.

Those who excel in the national competition will have the opportunity to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026. The event is set to run until April 2.