DDU-GKY 2.0 to Impart Skill Training to 70,000 Rural Youth Across States and UTs From October 2026
Distilled Policy Brief
- For the 2026-28 two-year period, over 9 lakh targets have been allocated to all 31 partner states and union territories, with Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) required to be assigned targets by 31 October 2026.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
DDU-GKY 2.0 is a centrally sponsored scheme providing placement-linked skill training to poor rural youth with training durations ranging from 3 to 12 months, aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Evaluate how placement-linked skill development schemes like DDU-GKY 2.0 can leverage public-private partnerships to harness the demographic dividend and reduce rural poverty.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0, consider the following statements: 1. It is implemented as a Central Sector Scheme to provide placement-linked skill training to poor rural youth. 2. The training duration under the scheme ranges from 3 months to 12 months, with courses aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). 3. For the 2026-28 two-year period, partner States and Union Territories must ensure that targets are allocated to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) by October 31, 2026. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect because DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, not a Central Sector Scheme. Statement 2 is correct as the training duration ranges from 3 to 12 months and courses are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Statement 3 is correct because, for the 2026-28 period, states and UTs must allocate targets to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) by October 31, 2026.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.