70,000 Rural Youth to Begin DDU-GKY 2.0 Training

Batches Set to Begin Across the Country

"Other states are in the advanced stages of target allocations. Across the country in 24 States/UTs, 2,015 batches involving around 70,000 rural youth are expected to commence their training in October 2026," said the Ministry of Rural Development in a statement.

About the DDU-GKY Scheme

DDU-GKY is a Centrally sponsored scheme providing placement-related skill training to poor rural youth, positioning employment outcomes as a core component of the programme's design rather than training alone.

Training Duration and Overall Targets

The duration of the training varies from three months to 12 months. All the 31 participating States/UTs have been allocated more than 9 lakh targets under the DDU-GKY 2.0 for the two-year period (2026-28), giving a sense of the scale the programme is working toward over its current cycle.

Ongoing Review Process

Review meetings in phases are being held with the States/UTs to gather momentum in the processes leading to batch commencements, said the ministry, indicating a sustained monitoring effort aimed at keeping the rollout on track.

How the Training Programme Is Structured

States/UTs have to mobilise rural youth and organise placement-linked skill training, as per demand, in PPP mode, in National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned courses, enabling sustained employability of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the training provided aligns with recognised national skill standards.

A Call to Accelerate the Process

The Ministry called upon States/UTs to accelerate the allocation of targets to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and commence batches as per envisaged timelines, states/UTs are supposed to ensure allocation of targets to PIAs for commencement of trainings latest by October 31, giving a clear, firm deadline for states to complete their preparatory work.

The Broader Purpose Behind the Scheme

For many rural youth, that path begins with an opportunity to learn, work, and build new sources of earning. That is where the DDU-GKY enters the story, framing the scheme's role as a critical entry point into sustainable livelihoods for rural populations that might otherwise lack access to structured skill development.

When and Why the Scheme Was Launched

Launched on September 25, 2014, under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), DDU-GKY focuses on youth from marginalised and vulnerable rural households, notably marking this announcement on the scheme's own anniversary date.

Who the Scheme Targets

It provides placement-linked skill training aimed at sustainable livelihoods. The programme targets youth aged 15 to 35 years, linking skill training with employment opportunities, covering a fairly broad age range within the rural youth population.

What's New Under the 2.0 Framework

The revised DDU-GKY 2.0 framework places greater emphasis on industry-led training, sustainable employment, post-placement support, upskilling, and reskilling, reflecting lessons learned from the scheme's earlier phase and an effort to improve long-term employment outcomes rather than focusing solely on initial training and placement.

Cumulative Progress to Date

As of June 2026, 18.45 lakh rural youth have been trained under DDU-GKY, while 12.35 lakh have been placed, giving a clear picture of the scheme's overall reach and effectiveness in translating training into actual employment outcomes since its launch over a decade ago.