The Bihar government has demonstrated a significant commitment to empowering its youth by extending the Kushal Yuva Programme for an additional five years. This crucial initiative, aimed at bolstering the employability and skill sets of young individuals across the state, will now continue its operations from the financial year 2026-27 through to 2030-31. The government has underscored its dedication to this program by allocating a substantial ₹430.08 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year alone, reflecting a clear investment in the future of Bihar’s workforce.
A pivotal aspect of this extension is the proactive decision to update the course curriculum. Recognizing the rapid evolution of technology and the demands of the modern job market, the program will integrate new modules that address advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and various forms of digital technology. This forward-thinking approach, as highlighted by Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet) Md Sohail, ensures that participants receive training that is both relevant and in high demand.
The updated training program is set to introduce a diverse range of new courses, designed to equip young people with specialized skills across various burgeoning sectors. These include practical areas such as solar energy and drone technology, alongside essential technical skills like networking and web and information technology. Furthermore, the program will encompass critical healthcare-related training, offering courses in home nursing, multi-skilled laboratory technician training, and emergency medical technician training. Recognizing the importance of personal and professional presentation, beauty and wellness is also included. For those inclined towards business and finance, digital marketing, banking and financial services, and Tally are on offer. Crucially, foundational skills like language proficiency and entrepreneurship will also be emphasized, preparing participants not just for employment but also for self-employment.
With a robust network of 6,436 training centers already in place, the Kushal Yuva Programme is poised to make a significant impact, aiming to train approximately 2.57 lakh youths annually. The government anticipates that this comprehensive training will facilitate both direct employment opportunities and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, enabling trained candidates to either secure jobs or launch their own ventures, contributing to economic growth within the state.
The program’s eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive, targeting young individuals aged 15 to 28 who have successfully completed Class 10. To ensure broader access and support for disadvantaged groups, age relaxations are provided. Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) candidates can apply up to 33 years of age, Other Backward Classes (OBC) up to 31 years, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) up to 33 years. Furthermore, the program welcomes individuals who are currently pursuing or have already obtained higher education, recognizing that skill enhancement is valuable at any stage of one’s academic journey. Notably, youth aged 20 to 25 years who have received the self-help allowance are mandated to complete this training, underscoring its importance as a pathway to economic independence.
The core curriculum of the Kushal Yuva Programme is meticulously structured around three fundamental pillars: life skills, communication skills (with a focus on both English and Hindi), and basic computer literacy. The entire course spans 240 hours, allocated strategically across these areas: 40 hours dedicated to developing essential life skills, 80 hours to enhancing communication proficiency, and approximately 120 hours to building foundational computer knowledge.
To assess the progress and certification of participants, the Kushal Yuva Programme examination is conducted monthly, typically in the last week. These examinations are organized into four convenient slots throughout the day: an early morning session from 8 am to 10 am, a late morning slot from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, an afternoon session from 1 pm to 3 pm, and a late afternoon slot from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. This structured approach aims to improve skill development opportunities for young people in Bihar by increasing training capacity, expanding accessibility, modernizing course content, and raising awareness about the benefits of skill-based education and training. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to visit the official Kushal Yuva Programme website for detailed information regarding registration procedures, the location of training centers, eligibility requirements, and examination schedules.
