Skill Champions from Eastern India Shine at IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26

Bhubaneshwar, March 2, 2026: The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the eastern region concluded today at the SDI Auditorium, Bhubaneswar, marking a celebration of youth talent, technical excellence and regional pride. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the competition brought together over 200 skilled youth from Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Participants competed across 59 skill categories, including 37 skills demonstrated onsite and 22 assessed through innovative formats, all aligned with national and global industry standards.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said – “The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 in the Eastern Region reflects the rising aspirations and capabilities of our youth. The Eastern states are steadily strengthening India’s growth story, and what we have witnessed here is not just competition, but a culture of excellence aligned with global standards. Such platforms deepen collaboration between states, industry and institutions, ensuring that talent from every district finds opportunity. I commend all participants and experts whose dedication embodies the spirit of Skill India and advances our collective journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, said, – “As we speak of building a Viksit Bharat, we must recognise that true development goes beyond physical or economic growth. Real progress is rooted in skills. It is driven by capability, confidence and access to the right opportunities. As Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has emphasised, when knowledge and skills align with the needs of the nation, their power multiplies significantly. In this journey, Odisha has set a strong example by presenting a clear and forward-looking roadmap towards achieving the vision of a Viksit Odisha. The Skill India Mission provides every individual with a meaningful platform to showcase their skills on a global stage, including at competitions like WorldSkills Competition. The skills being imparted today will shape your future. They will open doors, create opportunities and take you to global platforms where your talent can truly shine”.

Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister of State for Higher Education; Youth & Sports; and Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, added, – “The Skill India Mission, envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, has transformed skilling into a true national movement. The vision of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has further strengthened the integration of education with employability and innovation. Under the leadership of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, this ecosystem has gained clear direction and renewed momentum.

He further added – “Today, as we witness over winners across diverse skill categories, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you. Your achievement reflects dedication, discipline and excellence. I also appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and National Skill Development Corporation for successfully organizing this platform. Skilling is a continuous journey, and it demands consistent effort, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.”

At the closing ceremony of the four-day event, 132 outstanding performers were awarded medals including Gold (53), Silver (48), Bronze (31) and Medallions for Excellence (37). The skills showcased ranged from cloud computing, electronics, CNC machining, mobile app development and web technologies to hospitality, beauty therapy, floristry, fashion technology, and welding. Odisha led the list of winners, reflecting the state’s focused investment in skill development, followed by Bihar and West Bengal, highlighting the growing ecosystem of vocational training and professional excellence in eastern India.

The winners from the eastern region now move forward in the IndiaSkills ecosystem as part of India’s national talent pipeline, with the potential to represent the country at WorldSkills and other international skill platforms. The competition highlighted the expanding reach and strength of skill development initiatives in the region, reflecting a system where young talent is systematically identified, nurtured and benchmarked against national and international standards.

The IndiaSkills Regional Competition serves as a critical pillar of India’s skill development architecture. The collaboration between the central and state governments, Sector Skill Councils, academic institutions, and industry partners ensures that the initiative is impactful, inclusive, and future-ready.

Aligned with national priorities such as Skill India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat, the IndiaSkills initiative is shaping a future where talent, opportunity, and innovation come together. In the eastern region, young participants have shown that dedication, creativity, and technical skill can open pathways to meaningful careers and global recognition. Their achievements are a testament to the region’s growing ecosystem of training, mentorship, and institutional support, which is helping transform skilled youth into leaders of tomorrow.

The closing ceremony celebrated this spirit of excellence in every sense. Cultural performances brought energy and colour to the event, while each medallist was recognised for their hard work, precision and determination. A specially curated audio-visual showcase captured the journey of the participants, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the milestones they achieved over the competition. Beyond awards, the ceremony reinforced a larger vision: that skill is not just a career pathway, but a force for empowerment, confidence and regional and national progress.

The day concluded with a sense of pride, optimism, and inspiration, leaving a lasting mark on everyone present and setting the tone for a Viksit Bharat driven by skilled youth.