Mushroom Production and Marketing Scheme 2026

This scheme aims to train 3,28,000 individuals in the ESDM sector, offering financial help for training and Read More... certification to students and unemployed youth. Read less

Details

The Indian government is focused on making India a digital powerhouse, and a key part of this is building a skilled workforce. The 'Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India' scheme is a major initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to achieve this goal.

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme is all about boosting your skills in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. It's designed to train a huge number of people – 3,28,000, to be exact – across India. Whether you're a student, have dropped out of school, or are looking for a job, this scheme can help you gain valuable skills.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

If you're looking to build a career in the electronics industry, this scheme is for you. It's open to students from Class 9 onwards, school dropouts (with at least 8th pass), ITI holders, diploma holders, graduates, and those registered with employment exchanges. The main idea is to make you job-ready for the fast-growing ESDM field.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The 'Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India' scheme plays a crucial role in supporting the 'Digital India' vision. By providing high-quality skill development, it aims to increase the number of skilled professionals available for the electronics industry. This not only helps individuals get better job opportunities but also strengthens the manufacturing and service capabilities within India's electronics sector.

Objective

This scheme aims to train 3,28,000 individuals in the ESDM sector, offering financial help for training and certification to students and unemployed youth.

Benefits

Under this scheme, the following assistance is provided:

Pasteurized compost is provided at a 50% subsidy on the total cost, up to a maximum of 50 quintals per beneficiary. Similarly, mushroom spawn (seed) is provided at a 50% subsidy on the total cost, up to a maximum of 25 kg per beneficiary. No cash is given; the pasteurized compost and spawn are provided directly by the department.
Seven-day training for mushroom growers is provided (₹1,050/- per beneficiary), of which ₹700/- is transferred to the beneficiary’s account through DBT, and ₹350/- is used for training materials and related expenses.
Farmers/mushroom growers who produce mushrooms under the scheme can sell their produce in local markets or mandis.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Page No. 220)

Who Can Apply?

You should be studying from Class 9 or 10 onwards.
If you're a school dropout, you need to have at least an 8th pass.
ITIs, diploma holders, undergraduates, and graduates are also eligible.
Individuals registered with employment exchanges can also apply.
You must meet the basic requirements for the specific NSQF Level 1 to Level 5 course you wish to join.
You need to have a valid Aadhaar Number or an Aadhaar Enrolment ID.
You must agree to Aadhaar authentication or e-KYC.
You must not have already benefited from a similar government-funded skilling course in the ESDM field.
You will need to give an undertaking that you haven't availed any other similar government scheme.
You must be at least 17 years old when you register or enrol.
You should be willing to get employed or start your own venture and provide an undertaking for this.
You need to attend the training regularly (at least 70% attendance is required) to be eligible for the assessment.
You can only benefit from this scheme once. However, if you are pursuing manufacturing job roles, you might be allowed to take up two courses at consecutive NSQF levels.

Reservation and Preferences:

General Category: 60% of the seats are allocated for general candidates.
Reserved Categories: 40% of the seats are reserved for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), and EWS (17.5%) candidates.
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Criteria: To qualify as EWS, your family income should not be more than ₹2,00,000/- per year.

How to Apply

The application process is managed through Key Implementing Agencies (KIAs) like the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), and Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC). You can apply through their respective portals or by approaching affiliated training centers.

Visit the official website or contact an authorized training center.
Fill out the application form with accurate details.
Submit the required documents.
Attend the orientation or counselling session if required.
Complete the enrolment process.

For more details, you can refer to the official websites of the implementing agencies.

What You'll Need

Aadhaar Card: Or your Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID).
Identity Proof: Any one of these – Voter ID Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or NPR Card.
Special Requirement for Assam & Meghalaya: Candidates from these states need to provide two identity proofs.
EWS Certificate: If you are applying under the Economically Weaker Section category.
Educational Certificates: Proof of your educational qualifications as per the scheme's eligibility.
Undertaking: A declaration stating you are not availing benefits from any similar government scheme.
Undertaking for Employment: A promise that you are willing to get employed or self-employed.
Bank Account Details: For receiving reimbursements.
Passport Size Photograph: Latest photograph.

FAQ’s

What is the primary goal of this skill development scheme?

The main aim is to equip individuals with essential skills in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector, thereby enhancing their employability and contributing to India's digital growth.

What are the age requirements to join this program?

You must be at least 17 years old when you register or enrol for the course.

Can someone who has completed Class 8 apply?

Yes, school dropouts who have completed at least Class 8 are eligible to apply for this scheme.

Is there a specific income limit for EWS applicants?

Indeed, applicants applying under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category must have a family income not exceeding ₹2,00,000/- annually.

How are the training and certification fees handled?

There's a Registration-cum-Certification Fee (RCCF) that you pay initially. For the main course fees, General candidates receive a 75% reimbursement, while SC/ST/EWS candidates get 100% reimbursed after successful certification and placement.

If I have already done a government skill course, can I still apply?

No, you cannot apply if you have already received training or benefits from another government-sponsored skilling course in the ESDM field.

What if I don't get a job after training?

The scheme is placement-linked. While job placement is a key objective, the reimbursement structure (80% after certification, 20% after placement) encourages training partners to ensure successful job placements. A minimum of 70% placement is expected.

What type of courses are offered?

The scheme offers training in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector, covering various job roles aligned with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Levels 1 through 5.

Is it possible to enroll in more than one course?

Generally, you can avail the benefits of this scheme only once. However, there's an exception for manufacturing job roles where you might be permitted to pursue two courses at successive NSQF levels.

What is the attendance requirement for the training?

To be eligible to take the final assessment, you need to maintain at least 70% attendance during the training period.

What happens if I provide incorrect information during application?

It is crucial to provide accurate details. Providing false information or not meeting the eligibility criteria can lead to disqualification.

How are the reserved seats distributed?

Out of the total seats, 40% are reserved. Specifically, 15% are for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 17.5% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

What is the role of training partners in this scheme?

Key Implementing Agencies (KIAs) and their affiliated training partners are responsible for delivering the skill development programs, managing training, conducting assessments, and facilitating placements.

Where can I find the list of training centers?

You can typically find the list of affiliated training centers on the official websites of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) or the designated Key Implementing Agencies (KIAs).