The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is implementing the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative, a flagship national programme aimed at strengthening India’s skilled workforce by bridging the gap between scientific research, industry requirements and employable skills.
Aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Skill India, the initiative seeks to integrate skill development with science and technology by leveraging CSIR’s extensive research infrastructure, nationwide laboratory network and scientific expertise. The programme focuses on aligning skill training with real-world industrial, societal and entrepreneurial needs.
According to an official release, the initiative offers inclusive access to a wide range of beneficiaries, including students, young researchers, technical staff and working professionals, as well as school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers and rural communities.
Through structured short-term and long-term skill development modules, including training programmes, internships, certification courses and hands-on laboratory exposure, the initiative equips participants with skills in advanced and emerging technologies linked to industry demands. The programme currently covers 18 out of the 36 key sectoral skills identified by the National Skill Development Mission, spanning areas such as aerospace and aviation, agriculture, automotive, construction, electronics, food processing, green jobs, healthcare, life sciences, textiles, IT and ITeS, among others.
The initiative aims to ensure that learners gain not only strong theoretical knowledge but also practical competencies to support employment, entrepreneurship and career growth.
CSIR said that more than 1.90 lakh individuals have been trained through over 5,200 skill-based training programmes under Phase I and Phase II of the initiative, including targeted efforts for rural citizens and women.
The third phase of the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative was launched in June 2025 by Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, Government of India, with renewed emphasis on advanced skilling, strengthening academia-industry linkages and accelerating development. In its first year, the third phase has already trained over 14,000 participants through more than 425 training programmes conducted across 37 CSIR laboratories nationwide.
The CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, which serves as the nodal office for the initiative, has been playing a key role in monitoring, coordinating and evaluating its performance. Officials said the programme remains focused on quality, relevance and impact, contributing to the creation of a skilled, knowledgeable and self-reliant India.
