SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Skill Development Mission (JKSDM) today launched the India Skills Competition 2025 across all 20 districts of the Union Territory, signaling a significant push to empower the skilled youth of J&K and align them with national and global platforms of excellence. The launch, held simultaneously across the districts, is part of the nationwide campaign initiated by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to discover and reward the most skilled young professionals across India through India’s largest skill competition.

On the occasion, the Mission Director, JKSDM, remarked that ā€œIndia Skills 2025 is more than just a competition, it is a movement that recognizes skill as a tool for empowerment. Launching it across all the 20 districts ensures inclusivity and access for every aspiring youth in J&K. Our goal is to continue building on past successes and prepare our youth to meet world-class standards.ā€

The district-level rollouts were conducted in collaboration with the District Skill Committees, ITIs, Polytechnics, educational institutions and industry partners. The activities included awareness sessions, orientation drives and registration support for the interested candidates. On the spot registration kiosks were setup and many candidates registered for the competitions. All the information related to India Skills was provided to the aspirants.

As per J&K’s track record in the India Skills 2023–24, the UT showcased stellar performance during the India Skills 2023–24 competition, securing 3 Gold Medals, 4 Bronze Medals and 6 Medallions of Excellence. This performance reflects the growing competence and potential of youth across the Union Territory. With expanded outreach and strategic mentoring, JKSDM is aiming for even greater success in the upcoming national rounds.

India Skills 2025 is featuring 63 official and provisional skill trades including sectors like Mechatronics, Welding, Web Technologies, Fashion Technology, Cyber Security, Bakery, Health,  Social Care and many more. All the eligible youth born on or after 01 January 2004 (and for select skills, after 01 January 2001) are encouraged to register for the competition. ā€œThere is no formal educational requirement for participation, the only eligibility criteria is that participant should fall in the specified age group and should have skills to showcase in the competitions even if acquired informallyā€, said one of the Officers of J&K Skill Mission.

As per the format, the participants shall have to compete at the District Level Competitions which will lead to State Level Competitions. The State Level Winners will form Team J&K and will represent the UT at the Regional Level Competitions that shall be conducted by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the winner will proceed to National Level Competitions.

The winners of National Level Competitions will form Team India and represent India in the World Skills Competitions scheduled in Shangai, China in 2026. In previous edition, J&K sent 03 candidates who won Gold at National Level and represented India at World Skills Competitions that were held in Lyon, France in September 2024. All the expenses on part of competitions and trainings for level of competitions shall be borne by the Government.

ā€œThis is the biggest platform where the youth can showcase their skills and   get recognized and appreciated at State, National and International Levels. The India Skills Competitions are aimed at glamorizing the skills and evade the blue collar stigmaā€, added Leena Padha, Mission Director JKSDM.

JKSDM will continue its outreach and mobilization through institutional networks and local industry. District Nodal Officers have been activated and SPOCs (Single Points of Contact) will be assigned for each skill sector to streamline the registration and training coordination. All the information about India Skills 2025 and the guidelines and tutorials of registration are available at  www.skill.jk.gov.in/cms/competition. All the eligible candidates can register themselves for the competitions by or before 30th of September 2025 which is the last date for registrations.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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