The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Sunday flagged off a 30-member Indian contingent for the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) 2026 in Australia, a key preparatory event ahead of the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026.
The Indian team comprises 15 competitors and 15 experts who will participate in the international skills simulation event from June 23 to 29. Organised by WorldSkills Australia, the Global Skills Challenge replicates the conditions of the WorldSkills Competition, providing participating nations with an opportunity to assess performance, test readiness and gain exposure to international standards.
Speaking at the send-off ceremony, MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee said the event would provide Team India with valuable international experience and help sharpen their skills before the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. She encouraged the competitors to make the most of the learning opportunities and represent the country with confidence.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Chief Executive Officer Arunkumar Pillai said the participants had earned their places through a rigorous selection process and were among the best skilled youth in the country. He expressed confidence that the team would benefit from the experience and carry India’s aspirations onto the global stage.
India will compete in 15 skill categories, including 3D Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Automobile Technology, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Cloud Computing, Floristry, Graphic Design Technology, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Industrial Mechanics, Painting and Decorating, Restaurant Service, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Web Technologies.
The competition will feature four days of skill contests under actual WorldSkills conditions, with assessments conducted through the internationally recognised Competition Information System (CIS). Nearly 600 competitors, experts, translators and officials from WorldSkills member nations are expected to participate.
According to the ministry, the event will help Indian competitors strengthen technical preparedness, familiarise themselves with international evaluation systems and gain hands-on experience in a high-pressure competitive environment. The exposure is also expected to enhance India’s readiness for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later this year.
The ministry said India’s participation in the Global Skills Challenge aligns with the broader objectives of the Skill India Mission, which aims to build a future-ready workforce and strengthen the country’s position in the global skills ecosystem through training, mentoring and industry partnerships.
