“Haryana’s Skill Development Mission is transforming ITI students into skilled professionals through innovative training and industry partnerships, addressing unemployment and boosting employability. Launched in 2015, the mission integrates modern technologies and entrepreneurial programs, offering over 80 courses across 15 sectors, with initiatives like Ideathon Haryana 2025 fostering innovation and job creation.”
Haryana’s ITI Skill Mission Drives Youth Empowerment
In a bid to address unemployment and align youth skills with industry demands, the Haryana Skill Development Mission (HSDM), established in May 2015, continues to make significant strides in empowering Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students across the state. As of June 25, 2025, the mission has rolled out transformative programs to equip young individuals with technical and entrepreneurial skills, ensuring they contribute to Haryana’s economic growth.
The Skill Development and Industrial Training Department, Haryana, oversees a robust network of 166 government ITIs (133 co-educational and 33 for women) and 242 private ITIs, offering a combined seating capacity of 99,148 for one- and two-year vocational courses in 76 different trades. For the 2025-26 academic session, the department concluded the Haryana ITI admission process on June 27, 2025, with registrations open from June 6. The merit-based admission, based on Class 8th, 10th, or 12th marks, saw a streamlined online process via admissions.itiharyana.gov.in, with the first merit list released on June 30, 2025.
HSDM’s flagship programs, such as Saksham Haryana, SURYA, and PMKVY, offer over 80 courses spanning 15+ sectors, including electric vehicles, 5G technology, and machining. These programs emphasize practical, employment-oriented training, with industry collaborations enhancing their impact. For instance, partnerships with companies like Maruti Suzuki, Samsung, and Jaquar Foundation have led to the establishment of specialized labs, such as the geoinformatics lab in Gurugram ITI and a plumber lab in Panipat ITI, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields.
A standout initiative is Ideathon Haryana 2025, a state-level competition modeled on Shark Tank, encouraging ITI and polytechnic students to pitch innovative business ideas. Launched with registrations from October 20 to November 5, 2023, the program promotes entrepreneurship, with selected ideas eligible for funding through the state’s Fund of Funds. This initiative has sparked enthusiasm among students, providing a platform to showcase technical talents and transform ideas into scalable ventures.
HSDM’s convergence portal integrates its efforts with the Skill India Digital Hub, streamlining access to short-term skilling courses. Additionally, the mission’s district-level skill development plans, announced in 2023, ensure localized training aligns with regional industry needs. The state’s academic equivalence policy, a pioneering move, allows ITI graduates to be recognized on par with 10th or 12th-grade peers, opening doors to further education, apprenticeships, and self-employment. Financial incentives, such as Rs. 1,500 for passport applications and additional marks in the Army’s Agniveer Recruitment Scheme, further bolster opportunities for ITI students.
The mission’s focus on modernizing ITI curricula, improving training methodologies, and fostering industry exposure ensures graduates are job-ready. On-the-job training (OJT) programs, ranging from three months to a year, depending on the course duration, bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. With a public star-rating system for ITIs based on career advancement, training quality, and industry exposure, students can make informed choices during admissions.
HSDM’s efforts align with the state’s 2023-24 budget allocation of ₹250 crore to skill two lakh unemployed youth, addressing the rising demand for skilled artisans amid Haryana’s expanding industrial landscape. By fostering technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, the mission is not only tackling unemployment but also positioning Haryana’s youth as key contributors to India’s economic growth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from the Haryana Skill Development Mission’s official website, the Skill Development and Industrial Training Department, Haryana, and related web sources. Data is accurate as of June 25, 2025, and subject to change. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.