Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM)

The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) is a cornerstone initiative established by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2013 to elevate the employability and skill levels of the youth across the state. UPSDM has been designed as a comprehensive and integrated mission that aligns and consolidates the skill development efforts of multiple state departments, including Rural Development, Urban Development, Labour, Minority Welfare, Social Welfare, and others, under a unified framework to achieve state-wide skill targets and economic outcomes.

The mission serves as the implementing agency for skill development programs in Uttar Pradesh, guided by the State Skill Development Policy, and works in alignment with both state and central government priorities. UPSDM leverages partnerships with Government and Private Training Providers to deliver short-term, industry-relevant training programs aimed at enhancing job readiness and employability for eligible youth. These programs are conducted across various trades and sectors, offering National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-compliant courses that ensure standardized assessment and certification.

UPSDM’s strategy emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and measurable outcomes. It targets young people between the ages of 14 and 35, focusing specifically on building practical skills, improving workforce productivity, and linking trained candidates with gainful employment or self-employment opportunities. The mission also promotes special provisions to support vulnerable and under-represented groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and minority communities.

By coordinating various government-led schemes and harnessing private sector participation, UPSDM enhances the effectiveness of skill training delivery across the state. It also employs robust monitoring and evaluation processes to track training progress, placements, and impact, ensuring continuous improvement in outcomes. Through these concerted efforts, UPSDM aims to transform Uttar Pradesh’s youth into a skilled, adaptable, and industry-ready workforce that can meaningfully contribute to the state’s economic growth and development.