Get Updates
Get notified of breaking news, exclusive insights, and must-see stories!

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana - Recognition Of Prior Learning 2026

This scheme helps Indian citizens with existing skills and work experience get officially certified, boosting their career Read More... prospects. Read less

Details

Do you have years of experience in a particular job but lack formal certification? The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana's Recognition of Prior Learning (PMKVY-RPL) component is designed just for you!

What Is This Scheme?

PMKVY-RPL is a special initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Its main goal is to provide official skill certification to individuals who already possess skills and experience. This certification can significantly improve their job opportunities and earning potential.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is for anyone in India who has gained skills through hands-on work experience but hasn't had them formally recognized. It's particularly helpful for people working in unorganized sectors who want to validate their expertise.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's competitive job market, formal recognition of skills is crucial. PMKVY-RPL bridges the gap between informal learning and industry-accepted standards. It empowers individuals by validating their capabilities, leading to better employment and career growth.

Objective

This scheme helps Indian citizens with existing skills and work experience get officially certified, boosting their career prospects.

Benefits

  • Cash Reward:Every certified candidate will get a reward of Rs. 500/- for clearing the exam as encouragement
  • Accidental Insurance:Every certified candidate will be provided with 3-year accidental insurance of Rs. 2 lakh.
  • RPL Kit
  • Five types of RPL projects will be available in PMKVY 3.0.
    1. RPL Type 1(Camps)- This is conducted for target beneficiaries in a location where workers of a sector are consolidated (such as industrial and / or traditional skill clusters)
    2. RPL Type 2 (Employer Premises)- This type of RPL is conducted on site at the employer’s premises for industrial employees.
    3. RPL Type 3 (RPL by Demand)- This type involves RPL at designated Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK)/ PMKVY centers. Any individual or District Skill Committees (DSCs) can request for RPL at the available centre for a job role.
    4. RPL Type 4 (RPL with Best-in-Class Employers (BICE)-Large Corporations / Industry and Medium Scale Enterprises) - Best-in-Class employer in both large and medium enterprise as per Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) criteria shall be certified. There is no orientation module in this type. It only has assessment.
    5. RPL Type 5 (Online RPL)- Open to all skill seekers, who wish to take an online exam and get certified. This applies to specific job roles where theory and practical are both amenable to be conducted online.
    For RPL Types 1, 2, and 3, the PIA will provide an RPL Kit that will have the following mandatory items:
  • 01 Standard PMKVY T-shirt (For males)/Jacket or T-shirt (For females and Transgender). Females and transgender will be allowed to opt either for T-shirt or Jacket]
  • 01 Standard PMKVY Cap
  • Study material for that the job role
  • Job role related items such as tools, items which can be useful at workplace etc. (this is optional).
  • Sources and references

    Eligibility Criteria

    To be eligible for PMKVY-RPL, you must meet the following conditions:

    1. You must be an Indian citizen.
    2. Your age should be between 18 to 45 years.
    3. You must have prior work experience relevant to the job role for which you are seeking certification, as defined by the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).
    4. You need to have an Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
    5. You must meet any additional work experience requirements specified by the SSCs for your particular job role.
    6. If you fall in an age group higher than specified, the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) will need to get special approval.

    How To Apply

    The application process can vary slightly depending on the RPL type. Generally:

    1. For RPL Types 1 & 2: Organizations (PIAs) need to register on an online Request for Proposal (RFP) portal. Approved PIAs can then conduct training and assessments at designated RPL camps or employer premises. The last date for submitting proposals via RFP was 19 June 2021.
    2. For RPL Type 3A (By Demand through DSCs): Targets are allocated to existing PMKKs in districts based on requests from District Skill Committees (DSCs).
    3. For RPL Type 3B (By Demand through DAP): Individuals can request RPL at designated PMKK/PMKVY centers through the Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP).
    4. For RPL Type 4 (Best-in-Class Employers): This is implemented through SSCs who select the best-in-class employers.
    5. For RPL Type 5 (Online RPL): Candidates can register on the Skill India Portal's Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP) for online assessment and certification.
    6. General Note: For specific details and to apply, always refer to the latest guidelines available on the official PMKVY website. Last dates for application for target allocation have passed for PMKVY 3.0.

    For more details on applying as a PIA or understanding specific processes, refer to the official guidelines: PMKVY 3.0 Guidelines.

    Documents Required

    Specific documents may vary based on the job role and the chosen RPL type. However, you will generally need:

    • Aadhaar Card
    • Proof of prior work experience (as specified by the SSC for the job role)
    • Aadhaar-linked Bank Account details
    • Other documents as may be required by the concerned Sector Skill Council (SSC) for the specific job role.

    FAQ’s

    What exactly is 'Recognition of Prior Learning' (RPL) under PMKVY 3.0?

    RPL is a component of PMKVY designed to certify the skills and experience you already have. It helps you get an official certificate for the knowledge you’ve gained through work, making you more employable. It can be done through five different methods: camps, at your employer's place, on demand, with top companies, or even online.

    How does the government conduct RPL programs?

    RPL programs are carried out using five different models. These include conducting sessions at camps (Type 1), at employer premises (Type 2), based on individual requests at centers (Type 3A/3B), through partnerships with leading companies (Type 4), and entirely online (Type 5). The core process usually involves assessment and certification, with some types offering orientation or bridge courses.

    Can I get my skills certified if I'm a bit older than 45?

    The standard age limit is between 18 and 45 years. However, if you have significant prior experience and fall into a higher age bracket, the agency implementing the project can seek special approval from the PMKVY 3.0 Executive Committee or the State Level Empowered Committee.

    Is there a fee to register for the RPL program?

    Currently, for RPL Type 5 (Online RPL), there is no registration, assessment, or certification fee for candidates.

    How is skill mobilization handled for different RPL types?

    For RPL Type 3A, mobilization is done in partnership with District Skill Committees. For RPL Type 3B, candidates are mobilized through the Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP).

    What if I have questions or face issues with the PMKVY 3.0 program?

    For any program or policy-related issues, you can send an email to [email protected]. If you have problems with the Skill India Portal, you should raise a ticket through their support system.

    What kind of skills can be certified under RPL Type 5?

    RPL Type 5 is for specific job roles that can be assessed and certified online. Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) provide the list of approved job roles suitable for this online assessment.

    Who can be considered as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA) for RPL Type 1?

    PIAs for RPL Type 1 can include expert bodies (both private and public) recommended by SSCs, NGOs, cooperative groups, government ministries, universities, ITIs, and training providers who respond to demands from DSCs, State Skill Development Missions, SSCs, or the DAP.

    What is the smallest group size needed for RPL Type 5?

    For RPL Type 5, the minimum batch size required for execution is just one candidate.

    Can I apply for an RPL project directly on the Skill India Portal?

    To create a project on the Skill India Portal, you must first be issued a unique project ID by NSDC under RPL-PMKVY3.0. Without this ID, your application will not be processed on the portal.

    What makes RPL Type 4 different from other types?

    RPL Type 4 focuses on certifying employees of 'Best-in-Class Employers' (BICE) in large and medium enterprises. A key difference is that this type involves only assessment and does not include an orientation module.

    What is the purpose of the RPL kit?

    The RPL Kit is provided for RPL Types 1, 2, and 3. It typically includes a PMKVY T-shirt/jacket, a cap, and study materials. Sometimes, optional tools relevant to the job role might also be included.

    Can states participate in allocating RPL targets?

    Yes, states can play a role. Under PMKVY 3.0, 25% of the total RPL targets are distributed among states as part of the CSSM component.

    How are assessment and certification handled?

    The assessment and certification process follows the same procedures as in PMKVY 2.0. However, the use of an assessor app and biometric attendance is also incorporated.

    Are bridge courses mandatory for all RPL types?

    Bridge courses, which help fill knowledge gaps, are optional and can be offered alongside the 12-hour orientation for RPL Types 1 and 2. The duration can be up to 68 hours, depending on the need.

    What is the total project cost for an RPL project?

    The total project cost includes payments to the PIA, the SSC, for Kaushal Bima (insurance), and directly to the candidate. For detailed figures per candidate, you should check the 'Project Finance' section on page 27 of the PMKVY 3.0 guidelines.

    How do I find or create demand for RPL Type 5?

    Candidates can log into the Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP) on the Skill India Portal. From the available list of job roles, they can select one and register for assessment and certification.

    Who can be a PIA for RPL Type 2?

    For RPL Type 2, PIAs can be registered employers or industries, industry associations recommended by SSCs, and training providers who respond to demands raised by DSCs, State Skill Development Missions, SSCs, or the DAP.

    What is the definition of 'Online RPL' (RPL Type 5)?

    RPL Type 5 is an online recognition of prior learning. It uses remotely proctored online assessments (RPOA) where candidates are monitored via video links and AI support during their exam, eliminating the need for a physical presence.

    Where can I find the Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP)?

    The Demand Aggregation Portal (DAP) is accessible through the homepage of the Skill India Portal. PIAs involved in Type 3B will receive login credentials for DAP, which allows communication with the Skill India Portal.

    What is the role of Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) in RPL Type 5?

    SSCs play a crucial role by verifying and validating job roles suitable for online assessment. They are responsible for conducting the online assessment and issuing the certification for RPL Type 5. Currently, only SSCs can act as PIAs for this type.

    How are targets for RPL projects allocated under PMKVY 3.0?

    Targets are allocated in three ways: through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for Type 1 and Type 2, based on Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for Type 3B, Type 4, and Type 5, and directly to District Skill Committees (DSCs) for Type 3A. The last date for applications has already passed.

    Can a PIA for Type 3 execute any job role they wish?

    No, PIAs for Type 3 can only execute job roles that are accredited to their specific Training Centre (TC) and for which a demand has been officially raised.

    What is the general process for conducting an RPL project?

    The general process for RPL involves five key steps. While this applies broadly to RPL types 1, 2, and 3, you should consult the PMKVY 3.0 Guidelines for specific details on project types 4 and 5.

    What are the eligibility requirements for RPL Type 4?

    For eligibility criteria concerning RPL Type 4, please refer to Point 3.1.4 on Page 24 of the official guidelines. Note that currently, only Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) are eligible to participate in RPL Type 4.

    Is it compulsory for an employer to act as an assessor in RPL Type 4?

    Yes, having an employer act as an assessor is a mandatory requirement for RPL Type 4.

    Notifications
    Settings
    Clear Notifications
    Notifications
    Use the toggle to switch on notifications
    • Block for 8 hours
    • Block for 12 hours
    • Block for 24 hours
    • Don't block
    Gender
    Select your Gender
    • Male
    • Female
    • Others
    Age
    Select your Age Range
    • Under 18
    • 18 to 25
    • 26 to 35
    • 36 to 45
    • 45 to 55
    • 55+