PM-SETU Scheme 2025: Benefits, Eligibility, Courses & How to Apply for Upgraded ITIs”
During the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.
About the PM-SETU Scheme
The PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) is a centrally sponsored scheme with an overall investment of ₹60,000 crore. Its primary goal is to modernize and upgrade 1,000 government ITIs across India into industry-aligned, future-ready training institutions.
The scheme will operate on a hub-and-spoke model, featuring 200 hub ITIs connected to 800 spoke ITIs.
- Each hub ITI will have advanced infrastructure, innovation and incubation centres, production units, training-of-trainers facilities, and placement services, while the spokes will help in expanding access and outreach.
Key Features of PM-SETU
- Launch of new demand-driven courses and revamping of existing ones in collaboration with industries.
- Formation of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with credible Anchor Industry Partners to manage ITI clusters and ensure outcome-based training.
- Establishment of multiple learning pathways—including long-term diplomas, short-term courses, and executive programs.
- Upgradation of five National Skill Training Institutes—in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Ludhiana (Punjab)—as Centres of Excellence in partnership with global organizations.
The initiative will also receive co-financing support from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The first phase of the scheme will focus on Patna and Darbhanga ITIs.
Here’s a clear and structured overview of the PM-SETU Scheme covering its benefits, eligibility, and application process 👇
PM-SETU Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs)
Benefits of PM-SETU Scheme
- Modernized ITIs:
- Upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs with world-class infrastructure, labs, and training facilities.
- Industry-Aligned Training:
- Courses designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure skill relevance and better employment outcomes.
- Enhanced Employability:
- Focus on placement-linked skill training, ensuring students get access to job opportunities in India and abroad.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support:
- Establishment of innovation and incubation centers within hub ITIs to promote startups and self-employment.
- Trainer Development:
- Dedicated Training of Trainers (ToT) programs to improve teaching quality and technical expertise.
- Global Collaboration:
- Backed by World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) for international best practices and funding.
- Flexible Learning Options:
- Offers short-term courses, long-term diplomas, and executive programs suitable for various learners.
- Regional Skill Development:
- The hub-and-spoke model ensures skill access even in smaller towns through linked “spoke” ITIs.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| For Students/Trainees | – Must be an Indian citizen.- Should have passed at least Class 10 or 12, depending on the course.- Age limit: Generally 15–35 years (may vary by course).- Open to both freshers and existing ITI students. |
| For ITIs | – Government ITIs selected under the PM-SETU initiative based on infrastructure and potential for upgradation. |
| For Industry Partners | – Credible industry organizations can apply as Anchor Partners for cluster management and course alignment. |
How to Apply for PM-SETU Scheme
For Students
- Visit the official skill development portal:
- Likely to be integrated under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) or Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) portal.
(Official application link will be announced soon — currently in launch phase.)
- Likely to be integrated under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) or Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) portal.
- Find an eligible ITI:
- Check the list of PM-SETU upgraded ITIs (to be released phase-wise, starting with Patna and Darbhanga).
- Choose a course:
- Select from available short-term, diploma, or industry-specific courses.
- Register and submit documents:
- Upload basic details (ID, education certificate, etc.) through the official online form.
- Attend counseling/training:
- Once selected, students will receive information about course start dates, orientation, and placement support.
For Industry Partners or ITIs
- Submit proposals to MSDE or respective State Skill Development Missions for participation.
- Partner through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under the hub-and-spoke model.
Key Implementing Bodies
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- Directorate General of Training (DGT)
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
- World Bank & Asian Development Bank (co-financiers)
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PM-SETU Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the PM-SETU Scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India to upgrade and modernize 1,000 Government ITIs across the country, aligning them with industry needs and global standards.
2. When and where was the scheme launched?
The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister of India during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
3. What is the total investment under the PM-SETU scheme?
The total investment for the scheme is ₹60,000 crore, supported through central funding and global co-financing.
4. What is the objective of PM-SETU?
The primary objective is to transform ITIs into modern, industry-driven skill hubs, thereby improving employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship among youth.
5. How will the PM-SETU scheme be implemented?
The scheme will follow a hub-and-spoke model:
- 200 Hub ITIs will be equipped with advanced facilities.
- 800 Spoke ITIs will be linked to these hubs to extend access and training coverage.
6. What facilities will be available at the Hub ITIs?
Each Hub ITI will include:
- Innovation and incubation centres
- Production units
- Training-of-trainers facilities
- Placement and career services
- Advanced infrastructure aligned with industry standards
7. How will industries be involved?
The scheme will set up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with Anchor Industry Partners to manage ITI clusters. Industries will help design demand-based courses and ensure placement-linked training.
8. What types of courses will be offered under PM-SETU?
The scheme will provide:
- Long-term diploma programs
- Short-term skill training
- Executive and advanced programs
All of these will be industry-relevant and outcome-focused.
9. Which National Skill Training Institutes will be strengthened under PM-SETU?
Five NSTIs will be upgraded as Centres of Excellence in collaboration with global partners:
- Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
- Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
- Hyderabad (Telangana)
- Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
- Ludhiana (Punjab)
10. Who will fund the PM-SETU scheme?
The scheme will be co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with central government funding.
11. Which states or regions are covered in the first phase?
The first phase will focus on Patna and Darbhanga ITIs, which will serve as models for further expansion.
12. Who will benefit from the PM-SETU Scheme?
- Students enrolled in ITIs and skill development programs.
- Youth seeking industry-relevant skills and better employability.
- Trainers and educators, who will receive modernized training and infrastructure.
- Industries, which will gain access to a skilled workforce.
