DDU-GKY 2026: Free Skill Training and Jobs for Rural Youth
📌Quick Facts & Summary
Key Benefit
Free training with food and stay in residential courses.
Who Can Apply
Rural youth from poor families, usually aged 15 to 35 (up to 45 for women, SC/ST, PwD and other special groups).
Status / Deadline
Age band (15 to 35, up to 45 for special groups) from long-standing guidelines; not re-verified for 2026.
Official Portal
Helpline
See ddugky.gov.in contact page
Last Verified
15 October 2026
🔗 Important Action Links (Official Portals):
What is the Scheme?
Free residential or non-residential skill training for poor rural youth, with placement in jobs.
Also known as: DDU-GKY, gramin kaushal yojana
Who is it for?
Rural youth from poor families, usually aged 15 to 35 (up to 45 for women, SC/ST, PwD and other special groups).
Benefits and Financial Assistance
| # | Key Benefit / Entitlement Details | Category / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free training with food and stay in residential courses. | Primary Benefit (DBT/Subsidy) |
| 2 | Placement in jobs paying at least the minimum wage set in guidelines. | Direct Support |
| 3 | Post-placement support for a few months. | Direct Support |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Rural poor household (MGNREGA/VB-G RAM G workers, BPL, SHG families, etc.).
- Age as per guidelines.
Documents Needed
Keep the following documents ready before submitting your application:
- ✓ Aadhaar
- ✓ Proof of rural poor household (job card, BPL / ration card, SHG member)
- ✓ Education certificates
- ✓ Bank account
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- Find training centres on ddugky.gov.in or through the Kaushal Panjee platform.
How to Apply Offline
- Contact the block NRLM office or a DDU-GKY training partner.
How to Check Application / Payment Status
- Ask the training centre.
Official Website and Helpline Numbers
| Official Portal | https://ddugky.gov.in ↗ |
|---|---|
| Helpline / Contact | See ddugky.gov.in contact page |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development |
Important Dates & Milestones
Ongoing. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is DDU-GKY free?
Yes.
❓ Is a job guaranteed?
Placement is a target of the training partner, not a legal guarantee.
❓ Can women up to 45 join?
Yes, as per special group rules.
❓ Is stay free?
In residential courses, yes.
Sources & Official References
All facts on this page were verified on 15 October 2026 from the following official government sources:
Fact-Check Verification: This scheme entry was reviewed and fact-checked by Abhishek (govtschemes.net) using official PIB releases, ministry guidelines, and gazette records.
If you notice any outdated rule or change, please report a correction.
Related Central Government Schemes
Other central government schemes in the same sector and target audience:
Notice: govtschemes.net is not a government website. We are an independent information site. Always confirm eligibility and apply only on official government portals.