Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, on Monday said that the youth of the North-East are well positioned to play a leading role in India’s skilled workforce, as he inaugurated the IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025-26 for the region in Guwahati.
The competition was launched at Gauhati University, Assam, bringing together young participants from all eight North-Eastern states to compete across 26 skill categories. For the first time, India’s premier skilling championship is being held in the North-East, offering local youth an opportunity to participate in a national-level skills competition closer to home.
The event is being organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The inauguration ceremony was attended by Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta, Assam Principal Secretary Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Joint Secretary in the MSDE Hena Usman, along with senior officials and stakeholders from the skilling ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Chaudhary highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained focus on the North-East through policy initiatives and frequent engagements, saying it has helped build confidence and expand opportunities for the region’s youth. He said platforms such as IndiaSkills reflect this approach by taking national-level opportunities directly to young talent in the region.
“IndiaSkills is not merely a competition; it is a celebration of excellence, discipline and the dignity of work. The North-East has immense talent and aspiration, and this platform reflects our confidence that youth from this region are ready to lead India’s skilled workforce and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth,” the Minister said.
He also underscored the importance of integrating skill development with formal education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, noting that closer alignment between education and skilling can enhance employability, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, while preparing youth for a rapidly evolving economy.
A total of 162 competitors are participating in the North-East Regional Competition, representing all eight states of the region. Participants include students from Directorate General of Training (DGT) institutions such as Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), reflecting the growing linkages between vocational education and national-level competitive platforms.
The competition covers a wide range of contemporary and traditional skill areas, including Automobile Technology, Cloud Computing, Mobile Applications Development, Software and Web Technologies, Digital Interactive Media, Electronics, CNC Milling and Turning, Welding, Electrical Installations, Fashion Technology, Bakery and Patisserie, Hotel Reception, Restaurant Service, Health and Social Care, Retail Sales and Visual Merchandising.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said the diversity of skills on display also highlights the increasing participation of women in core technical and traditionally male-dominated trades such as automobile technology, electronics, CNC machining, electrical installations and welding. The strong presence of digital skills alongside manufacturing and services reflects preparation for Industry 4.0-linked roles, while hospitality, health and retail skills align with the North-East’s growing tourism and services sectors.
The IndiaSkills competition follows a multi-tier selection process, beginning with district- and state-level assessments, followed by regional competitions. Top performers from the regional stage will advance to the IndiaSkills National Competition, with select winners earning the opportunity to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition scheduled to be held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27, 2026.
