Government Targets Training for 6.35 Lakh Rural Youth Through RSETIs in 2026-27

October 13, 2026

New Delhi: The government has set a target to train 6.35 lakh rural youth through Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) during the current financial year, exceeding the training target set for 2025-26.

In a significant step towards strengthening rural entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Academy of RUDSETI (NAR).

The partnership aims to establish uniform training standards, ensure quality administration and facilitate systematic capacity building across RSETIs nationwide.

According to an official statement, the initiative seeks to improve the quality and relevance of training programmes while strengthening the institutional framework supporting rural skill development and entrepreneurship.

Focus on Digital Registration and Modern Skill Training

A key focus of the partnership will be to improve candidate registration through Kaushal Panjee and introduce Aadhaar-based face authentication through the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS).

The initiative will also promote the implementation of new-age courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). Training institutes will adopt industry-benchmarked training aids and equipment to ensure that the programmes meet relevant industry requirements.

The partnership will further support the delivery of core Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) courses as notified by the Ministry of Rural Development.

These measures are intended to improve training standards and help rural candidates acquire skills relevant to establishing and managing their own enterprises.

MoU to Strengthen Training, Assessment and Certification

The agreement also provides for strengthening Training of Trainers (ToT), along with the assessment and certification of trainees and trainers through the Unified Portal at kaushal.rural.gov.in.

Compliance with the Common Norms notified by the Ministry will be another important component of the partnership.

The MoU marks a step towards improving the RSETI ecosystem through better training quality, stronger institutional capacity, digital governance and outcome-oriented monitoring.

By standardising training processes and strengthening accountability, the initiative seeks to improve the effectiveness of skill development programmes and support aspiring rural entrepreneurs.

Boost to Rural Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Generation

The government said the partnership would reinforce the link between skill development, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative aims to enhance the ability of rural youth to establish viable enterprises, generate livelihood opportunities and contribute to inclusive rural economic growth.

The MoU exchange took place in the presence of Rohit Kansal, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the role of RSETIs in rural skill development, entrepreneurship promotion and livelihood generation across the country.