In a bold step toward empowering rural India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a free skill training scheme for women entrepreneurs starting from August 2025. The initiative is already active in over 120 districts across 15 states and focuses on building micro-entrepreneurship capacity among women through tailored training programs, financial literacy, and business development support.
The scheme directly supports aspiring women entrepreneurs—particularly in semi-urban and rural regions—who wish to start or grow small-scale businesses. The program includes technical skill development, digital literacy, marketing strategies, and access to micro-financing options.
Key Features of the 2025 Skill Training Program
Under this entrepreneurship development initiative, eligible women receive government-sponsored training and mentorship for 6–12 weeks. The program is being executed through PM Kaushal Kendras, state-run ITIs, and recognized NGOs.
Major highlights of the scheme include:
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Free training in tailoring, food processing, beauty & wellness, handicrafts, digital marketing, and more
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Entrepreneurship bootcamps covering product design, packaging, and branding
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Access to government e-marketplaces (GeM) for selling products online
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Credit linkage with Mudra Yojana and Women SHG Bank Tie-ups
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Certification from NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) upon course completion
The government aims to train 1 million women by March 2026 under this flagship mission.
Eligibility and Enrollment Process
The scheme is open to all Indian women aged 18–45 who are interested in launching or scaling a business, especially in rural and underrepresented regions.
Enrollment steps include:
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Visiting the official Skill India Portal (skillindia.gov.in) or nearest training centre
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Submitting Aadhaar card, income certificate, and basic education proof
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Selection through a simple personal interview or screening test
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Choosing one trade or skill from the available modules
Priority is being given to women from SC/ST categories, widows, differently-abled women, and members of Self Help Groups (SHGs). Mobile-based applications are also available for easy registration.
How This Scheme Supports Women Entrepreneurs
This 2025 initiative is designed to transform job seekers into entrepreneurs, providing hands-on skills and post-training support to help women build sustainable livelihoods.
Benefits include:
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Income generation opportunities close to home
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Better financial independence and social confidence
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Market-ready skill certification accepted by microfinance lenders
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Free business registration help and GST assistance for qualifying candidates
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Access to local exhibitions and trade fairs for product showcasing
This scheme is already showing early success stories in states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Assam, where many trained women have launched beauty parlours, stitching units, and agri-based small businesses.
Government’s Long-Term Vision for Women-Led Businesses
This skill training initiative is a crucial step toward achieving the government’s vision of increasing the percentage of women-led micro and small enterprises by 40% over the next five years. In partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and NABARD, the scheme also aims to build a rural women entrepreneur database to support future subsidy and mentorship programs.
Plans are underway to expand the initiative into Tier-1 cities and provide advanced training modules for high-growth areas like e-commerce, AI-integrated businesses, and agritech innovations.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the free skill training scheme?
All Indian women between 18 and 45 years of age, especially from rural areas or economically weaker sections, are eligible.
What kind of skills are taught under this scheme?
Training is provided in tailoring, handicrafts, beauty services, food processing, digital skills, and small business management.
Is there any cost involved for the participants?
No, the entire training, certification, and mentorship is offered free of cost under this government scheme.
Will the trainees get any financial support?
Yes, participants receive support in connecting with microfinance institutions and government loans like Mudra Yojana after completing the training.
How can one apply for this scheme?
Applications can be submitted online at the Skill India Portal or at local training centers and SHG offices.
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