Top Government Schemes for Youth in 2026: Jobs, Skills, Startups & Fitness Programs

India’s youth are at the center of the country’s development journey, and the Government of India has launched several powerful schemes to support them through jobs, skill training, entrepreneurship, volunteering, and health programs. In 2026, initiatives like MY Bharat, Skill India/PMKVY, Startup India, PM Mudra Yojana, Agnipath, and the Fit India Movement are creating real opportunities for young citizens to build careers, start businesses, gain industry-ready skills, and contribute to nation-building. This article provides a clear and updated guide to the top government schemes for youth in 2026, including eligibility, key benefits, and how to apply—making it especially useful for government job aspirants and students preparing for competitive exams.

Top Government Schemes for Youth in 2026

1. MERA YUVA BHARAT (MY BHARAT): India’s Digital Youth Platform

Launch Date: October 31, 2023
Authority: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India

MY Bharat is revolutionizing youth engagement through a technology-driven platform that connects young people with opportunities for growth, volunteering, and nation-building.

Key Statistics:

2.05 Crore registered users (as of November 26, 2025)
14.5 lakh+ volunteering opportunities generated
16,000+ youth clubs connected nationally
60,000+ institutional partners including government bodies, educational institutions, and NGOs

Who Can Apply?

Young citizens of all ages
Students and professionals
Aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs
Community volunteers

What MY Bharat Offers:

Digital registration and verified profiles
Opportunity matching based on interests and skills
Real-time impact tracking dashboards
Experiential Learning Programs (ELPs)
Leadership development initiatives
Community service projects
Networking with like-minded youth

MY Bharat Mobile App (Launched October 2025)

To enhance accessibility, MY Bharat launched a mobile app with cutting-edge features:

Multilingual support for pan-India reach
AI-driven chatbots for instant assistance
Voice-assisted navigation
Smart CV Builder for digital profiles
Digital certificates and achievement badges
Easy opportunity search and application

MY Bharat 2.0: The Next Generation (June 2025)

Advanced features including:

AI chatbots for personalized guidance
Smart CV Builder for professional profiles
National Career Services integration
Mentorship Hub connecting youth with industry professionals
Fit India wellness tracking

How to Register: Visit mera-yuva-bharat.in or download the mobile app and complete simple registration process.

2. SKILL INDIA MISSION: Empowering 6 Crore Indians

Launch Date: July 15, 2015 (World Youth Skills Day)
Authority: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Skill India Mission has transformed India’s vocational training ecosystem, making quality skill development accessible to millions.

Overall Impact:

6+ Crore Indians empowered since 2014
₹8,800 crore allocated for 2022-23 to 2025-26
Integrated approach merging multiple schemes for comprehensive coverage

2A. PRADHAN MANTRI KAUSHAL VIKAS YOJANA (PMKVY)

Launch Date: July 15, 2015
Authority: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

PMKVY is India’s flagship short-term skill training scheme providing industry-relevant training to youth.

Key Achievements:

16.4+ million candidates trained (cumulative as of October 2025)
45% female beneficiaries
Coverage: Manufacturing, healthcare, IT, electronics, retail, robotics, AI, drone technology

Who Can Apply?

Youth aged 15-45 years
School dropouts
Unemployed individuals
Anyone seeking skill upgrade or reskilling

PMKVY Versions & Benefits:

PMKVY 1.0 (2015-16):

Trained 19.85 lakh candidates
Focus: Basic skill development

PMKVY 2.0:

Trained 1.10 crore candidates
Expanded reach to more sectors

PMKVY 3.0:

Trained 7.37 lakh candidates
Customized COVID Warriors training program
Skill Hub Initiative for vocational-general education integration

PMKVY 4.0 (2022-2025):

28.9 lakh candidates trained
Focus: On-Job Training (OJT) embedded courses
Special support for women and PWDs
Boarding, lodging, and transportation assistance
Diverse career pathway options

Key Features:

Free training for eligible candidates
Industry-aligned curriculum updated regularly
Placement assistance after training
Digital certificates recognized nationally
Stipend during training for certain categories

How to Apply: Visit pmkvy.gov.in, select a training center near you, and enroll in your chosen skill course.

2B. JAN SHIKSHAN SANSTHAN (JSS)

Launch Date: 1967 (Originally as Shramik Vidyapeeth)
Authority: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

JSS provides non-formal skill training at the doorstep of beneficiaries, particularly targeting marginalized groups.

Key Statistics:

32.5+ lakh beneficiaries trained (2018-2025)
82% female participation in annual coverage
289 JSS centers operational across 26 States and 7 UTs

Who Can Apply?

Non-literates and neo-literates
School dropouts (up to 12th standard)
Age group: 15-45 years
Special focus: Women, SC/ST/OBC, minorities in rural areas

What JSS Offers:

Free vocational skill training
100% government grant support
Training at convenient community locations
Practical, employment-focused curriculum
Focus on self-employment opportunities

Coverage Sectors:

Tailoring and textile work
Agricultural skills
Food processing
Beauty and wellness
Handcrafts
Household services

How to Apply: Contact your nearest JSS center or visit the Ministry of Skill Development website for location details.

2C. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROMOTION SCHEME (NAPS)

Launch Date: August 2016
Authority: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

NAPS promotes apprenticeship by offering financial support, making industrial training accessible to youth.

Key Metrics:

49.12 lakh apprentices engaged since 2016
₹1,500/month maximum government stipend support
2025-26 Target: 13 lakh apprentices
3.99 lakh apprentices engaged (as of July 2025)

Who Can Apply?

Youth aged 15-45 years
School pass candidates
ITI graduates
Anyone seeking practical industrial experience

Program Features:

Government stipend support: Up to 25% of minimum prescribed stipend (max ₹1,500/month)
Dual training: Basic + on-the-job/practical training
Industry partnerships: Training in real work environments
Job prospects: Direct employment opportunities
Skill certification: Nationally recognized credentials

Duration & Support:

Apprenticeship duration: 6 months to 4 years (as per trade)
Government financial assistance throughout training period
Post-apprenticeship employment assistance

How to Apply: Register on apprenticeshipindia.gov.in or contact your nearest Industrial Training Institute (ITI).

3. PM-SETU: Modernizing India’s Vocational Training Infrastructure

Launch Date: October 4, 2025
Authority: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Investment: ₹60,000 crore

Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) represents a revolutionary investment in modernizing India’s ITI network.

Scale & Reach:

1,000 Government ITIs to be upgraded
Hub-and-Spoke Model: 200 hub ITIs + 800 spoke ITIs
1,200 Vocational Skill Labs across 34 States/UTs
Geographic coverage: From metros to aspirational districts

Who Can Benefit?

ITI aspirants (all ages)
School dropouts aged 15+
Unemployed youth seeking skill upgrade
Students from JNVs and Eklavya Model Schools
Rural and underprivileged youth

PM-SETU Features:

Advanced Skills Centers: Modern infrastructure, digital learning platforms
Incubation facilities: Support for innovation and entrepreneurship
Placement cells: Direct job placement assistance
Industry partnerships: Government-owned, industry-managed model
Modern curriculum: Aligned with global industry standards
Training-of-trainers: Quality instructor development

High-Demand Sectors:

Information Technology, Automotive, Agriculture, Electronics, Logistics, Tourism, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, and more

1,200 Vocational Skill Labs:

Established in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States/UTs offering hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors.

How to Apply: Contact your nearest upgraded ITI or visit the official PM-SETU portal for admission details.

4. AGNIPATH SCHEME: Military Service & Career Development

Launch Date: June 15, 2022
Authority: Ministry of Defence

Agnipath offers youth a unique opportunity for military service combined with professional development and financial benefits.

Program Details:

Recruitment Age: 17.5-21 years
Service Duration: 4 years as “Agniveer”
Gender Inclusive: Open to both male and female aspirants
Enrollment: 1.5 lakh Agniveers enrolled by February 2025

Who Can Apply?

Young citizens aged 17.5-21 years
10+2 pass or equivalent
Both male and female aspirants eligible
Medically and physically fit candidates

Benefits for Agniveers:

Discipline & Leadership Training: Military-grade training
Technical Skill Development: Professional skills aligned with services
Seva Nidhi Package: Financial benefit upon completion
Post-Service Employment: Priority in civilian job placements
Career Advancement: Top performers can be retained for longer service

Track Record:

First batch of 46,000 Agniveers successfully completed training in 2023
Positive feedback on skill development and career prospects
High retention rates for further service

Service Options:

Indian Army
Indian Navy
Indian Air Force
All three services recruit equally

How to Apply: Visit joinindianarmy.nic.in or official recruitment portals. Recruitment notifications published regularly.

5. PRADHAN MANTRI VIKSIT BHARAT ROZGAR YOJANA: ₹1 Lakh Crore Job Creation

Announcement Date: August 15, 2025
Authority: Government of India

This landmark scheme targets massive employment generation over two years.

Scheme Overview:

Total Investment: ₹1 lakh crore
Job Target: 3.5+ crore new jobs in 2 years
Government Incentive: Up to ₹15,000 per youth (in 2 installments)
Employer Incentive: ₹3,000/month per new employee for employment creation

Who Can Benefit?

Newly employed youth (aged 18-40 years, typically)
First-time job seekers
Unemployed individuals seeking employment
Formal sector workers

Key Features:

Direct cash incentive to newly hired employees
Employer support encouraging job creation
Formal employment focus
Pan-India coverage across all sectors

Eligibility & Application:

Details and application process announced through official government channels
Registration through employment exchanges and designated portals

How to Apply: Watch for official notification on Government of India websites and labor ministry portals.

6. STARTUP INDIA: Fostering Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Launch Date: January 16, 2016
Authority: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Startup India is the Government’s flagship program for fostering innovation-driven growth and supporting young entrepreneurs.

Scale & Impact:

1,97,692 startups recognized (as of October 31, 2025)
Expansion beyond metros to Tier-II and Tier-III cities
Special focus: Rural youth and first-generation entrepreneurs

Who Can Apply?

Young entrepreneurs (aged 18+)
Small businesses and ventures
Innovative ideas with growth potential
Tech and non-tech businesses
Social enterprises and impact ventures

Startup India Benefits:

Financial Support:

₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
Tax exemptions for 3 consecutive financial years
Access to venture capital and angel investors

Operational Support:

Simplified compliance and self-certification
Single-window clearances for approvals
Reduced regulatory burden
Ease of doing business initiatives

Sector-Specific Policies:

Biotechnology startups
Agriculture & Agritech ventures
Renewable energy startups
Green technology innovations

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):

Operational since: April 2021
219 approved incubators (as of June 2025)
₹945 crore total approval funding
Support for proof-of-concept to commercialization phases
Ideal for early-stage startups

How to Apply: Register on startupindia.gov.in, submit business plan and relevant documents for recognition and access benefits.

7. PRADHAN MANTRI MUDRA YOJANA (PMMY): Grassroots Entrepreneurship

Launch Date: 2015 | Celebrating: 10 years in April 2025
Authority: Ministry of Finance

PMMY has revolutionized access to credit for micro-enterprises, removing collateral barriers to entrepreneurship.

Decade-Long Impact:

53.85 crore loans sanctioned (as of August 4, 2025)
₹35.13 lakh crore disbursed
Special focus: Women (50%+ beneficiaries) and minority entrepreneurs
New entrepreneurs: Extensive support for first-time business owners

Who Can Apply?

Micro-entrepreneurs
Small business owners
Self-employed individuals
Women entrepreneurs
Minority business owners
Non-agricultural sector workers
Anyone seeking to start a small business

Key Features:

Collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh
Minimal documentation required
Flexible repayment terms
Lower interest rates compared to conventional loans
Fast disbursal process
Government backed: RBI regulated

Loan Categories:

Shishu Loan: Up to ₹50,000
Kishore Loan: ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh
Tarun Loan: ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh

What Can Be Financed?

Working capital for existing businesses
Equipment and machinery purchase
Business expansion
Skill development
Small manufacturing units
Retail and trading businesses
Service sector ventures

How to Apply: Visit mudrayojana.gov.in or approach your nearest participating bank with business plan and identification documents.

8. OTHER KEY SKILL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

8A. DEEN DAYAL UPADHYAYA GRAMEEN KAUSHALYA YOJANA (DDU-GKY)

Launch Date: September 25, 2014
Authority: Ministry of Rural Development & NRLM

Key Metrics:

16.9+ lakh trained since inception
10.97+ lakh placed in employment
Placement Rate: 65% in gainful employment

Who Can Apply?

Rural youth aged 18-35 years
Below poverty line (BPL) and poor families
Aspirational job seekers

Features:

Free residential skill training
Job placement assistance
Income support during training
Post-placement support
Focus on organized sector employment

8B. RURAL SELF EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING INSTITUTES (RSETIs)

Established: January 2009
Authority: Ministry of Rural Development (Bank-led)

Key Metrics:

56.69+ lakh candidates trained (as of June 2025)
Growth: From 22.89 lakh (2016-17) to 56.69 lakh (2025-26)

Who Can Apply?

Rural youth aged 18-45 years
Aspiring entrepreneurs
Unemployed rural population
Anyone seeking self-employment skills

What RSETIs Offer:

Free, quality residential training
Post-training credit linkage (loans up to ₹5 lakh)
Entrepreneurship development
Business planning assistance
Ongoing support after training
Bank identification with direct support

9. NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS): Building Nation Builders

Established: 1969
Authority: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

NSS has evolved into India’s largest student volunteer movement promoting social consciousness and nation-building.

Growth & Scale:

Started: 1969 with 37 universities, 40,000 volunteers
Current Scale: 657 universities, 20,669 colleges, 11,988 senior secondary schools
Active Volunteers: 3.9 million NSS volunteers annually
Coverage: Spread across 51 +2 Councils/Directorates

Who Can Join?

School and college students
University students
Young professionals seeking volunteering
Age: Typically 13-25 years

NSS Programs & Activities:

National Integration Camps (NIC)

200 selected volunteers per camp
Promotes cultural diversity and patriotism
Annual residential camps

Adventure Programs

Builds confidence and leadership skills
Rock climbing, trekking, water sports

Republic Day Parade Camp

National participation event
Delhi-based opportunity

National Youth Festivals

Held annually (January 12-16)
Celebration of youth talent and ideas

NSS Awards

Recognition for excellence in service
Appreciation for outstanding volunteers

Key Focus Areas:

Community development
Environmental conservation
Health awareness campaigns
Literacy programs
Disaster relief
Social justice advocacy

How to Join: Register with NSS unit in your school/college or contact nearest NSS center.

10. VIKSIT BHARAT YOUNG LEADERS’ DIALOGUE (VBYLD) 2026

Dates: January 9-12, 2026 | Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Authority: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

This premier platform brings together India’s brightest young minds to discuss national priorities and present youth-led solutions.

Event Scale:

3,000 total participants including international delegates
1,500 youth from Viksit Bharat Challenge Track
1,000 participants from Cultural & Design Track
100 international delegates showcasing global perspectives
10 National Priority Themes for discussion and presentation

Who Can Participate?

Young innovators and leaders (typically 18-35 years)
Students with ideas on national importance
Social entrepreneurs
Cultural ambassadors
International youth delegates
Selected through MY Bharat digital quiz and application process

Participation Stats:

50.42 lakh youth participated in nationwide digital quiz on MY Bharat
Winners and selected participants get platform to present solutions
Direct interaction with Prime Minister and national leadership

Ten National Priority Themes:

Education and skill development
Economic growth and job creation
Environmental sustainability
Health and wellness
Technology and innovation
Social justice and equality
Rural development
Urban planning
Cultural heritage
National security and defense

Benefits of Participation:

National platform visibility
Direct engagement with policymakers
Recognition of ideas and innovations
Networking opportunities
Potential funding and support
Media coverage

How to Apply: Participate in MY Bharat digital quiz during National Youth Week or watch for formal selection notifications on MY Bharat portal.

11. HEALTH & FITNESS SCHEMES

FIT INDIA MOVEMENT

Launch Date: August 29, 2019
Authority: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Core Objectives:

Make fitness easy, fun, and free
Promote indigenous and traditional sports
Embed fitness in schools and institutions
Build daily physical activity culture

Key Initiatives:

Fit India School Certification – Embed fitness in education
Sundays on Cycle – Promote cycling
Fitness Pledge Campaign – Behavioral change
Fit India Mobile App – Fitness tracking and progress

KASHI DECLARATION: Drug-Free Youth Campaign

Held: July 2025 at Varanasi
Authority: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Initiative Details:

Theme: “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” (Drug-Free Youth)
Participants: 600+ youth leaders from 120+ organizations
5-year roadmap: Community-led, youth-driven transformation
Target: Drug-free youth by 2047

RASHTRIYA KISHORE SWASTHYA KARYAKRAM (RKSK)

Launch Date: January 7, 2014
Authority: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Coverage:

Age: 10-19 years
Scope: Rural and urban youth
Focus: Marginalized groups

Six Thematic Domains:

Nutrition (reducing malnutrition and anemia)
Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH)
Mental Health (psychological well-being)
Injuries & Violence Prevention
Substance Misuse (prevention and intervention)
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

How Youth Can Get Involved in 2026

Immediate Action Steps:

1. Digital Platforms:

Register on MY Bharat – Explore 14.5 lakh+ volunteering opportunities
Download MY Bharat app for easy access

2. Skill Development:

Enroll in PMKVY – Free industry-relevant skill training
Join PM-SETU ITIs for vocational excellence
Participate in NAPS for apprenticeship opportunities
Access JSS for non-formal training
Apply to DDU-GKY for rural employment focus
Register with RSETIs for self-employment training

3. Community Service:

Join NSS in your school/college
Participate in National Integration Camps
Volunteer through MY Bharat platform

4. Entrepreneurship:

Launch your startup on Startup India
Apply for SISFS (Startup Seed Fund)
Explore MUDRA Yojana for business loans
Register on startupindia.gov.in

5. Military Service:

Check eligibility for Agnipath Scheme
Visit joinindianarmy.nic.in for recruitment details

6. Health & Wellness:

Join Fit India Movement
Download Fit India app for fitness tracking
Participate in fitness pledge campaigns

7. National-Level Engagement:

Participate in Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue digital quiz
Attend National Youth Festivals
Engage in RKSK health programs