Parliament Question: Recognition of Prior Learning Certificate

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2523 ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING CERTIFICATE 2523. SMT. BHARTI PARDHI: SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR: SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE: SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE: DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE: Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state: (a) the short-term training targets set under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 for financial year 2025-26 and 2026-27 particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra; (b) the number of Recognition of Prior Learning certifications issued to informal workers; (c) the new industry-aligned job roles introduced covering emerging sectors like AI, drones and renewables; (d) the school-to-skill convergence programmes linking vocational education with PMKVY; and (e) whether PMKVY 5.0 Guidelines preparation has commenced, if so, the priority focus areas thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY) (a) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 is being implemented from FY 2022–23 through Short-Term Training (STT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The scheme is demand-driven and industry-oriented; therefore, no state-wise training targets, including for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, have been set under PMKVY 4.0. (b) As on 30.06.2026, under PMKVY 4.0, a total of 3,32,137 candidates were certified under Recognition of Prior Learning across the country. (c) National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) regulated ecosystem offers NSQF-aligned and NSQC-approved Qualifications, National Occupational Standards (NOSs) and Micro-Credentials in a range of emerging technology domains. At present, 116 courses related to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, 54 courses related to Automation and Robotic Processing, 80 courses related to Data Analytics, 71 courses related to Cyber Security, 17 courses related to Drone Technology, and 99 courses related to Green Skills are available, enabling learners to acquire industry-relevant competencies aligned with evolving technological advancements and workforce requirements. Further, under SOAR program, 50 AI and AI application-oriented courses focused on AI for jobs, workplace productivity, sector-specific applications, inclusivity, and contextualized AI applications for theunorganized sector are added. These courses span sectors such as Healthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics, Beauty & Wellness, Furniture & Fittings, Handicrafts, Electronics, Information Technology and Capital Goods. (d) In line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to integrate vocational education with mainstream education, PMKVY supports skill development among school and college dropouts, out-of-school children, and unemployed youth in the 15–45 years age group. The scheme has been implemented in coordination with the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) and provides demand-driven, industry-linked skilling opportunities aligned with learners’ aspirations and employment needs. Further, school infrastructure has been leveraged as Skill Hubs beyond regular school hours and on non-working days to expand access to vocational education and training. In addition, the MSDE has implemented the project “Establishment of Skill Labs and Training of Trainers in 400 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) for Delivery of Skilling Courses”, funded through National Skill Development Fund (NSDF). The EMRSs established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, particularly those residing in remote and tribal areas. The project aimed to strengthen the reach of vocational education in schools through the establishment of 1,200 vocational skill labs aligned with the CBSE curriculum across selected JNVs and EMRSs, with two skill labs in each school. To ensure the effective delivery of vocational education, the project also included a capacity-building component for 1,200 skill teachers, with two teachers trained per school. (e) The PMKVY 4.0 scheme is extended for two years beyond 31.3.2026. *****