Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
Last Updated
July 2026 Fact Checked By: Schemewala Editorial Team
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) |
| Beneficiaries | Rural youth from poor families |
| Age Limit | 15 to 35 Years (Relaxed to 45 for Women/SC/ST/PwD) |
| The Big Guarantee | Agencies MUST place 70% of trained candidates in jobs |
About the Scheme
While PMKVY focuses on broad skilling, the DDU-GKY is entirely focused on placement. It is exclusively for poor rural youth. The government pays private training agencies (called PIAs) to train you for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. The training is completely free, and the PIA even covers your food, lodging, and uniforms.
High-Value Insider Info: The 70% Rule & Verification
The most important feature of DDU-GKY is its strict placement enforcement.
- The 70% Rule: The training agency does not get their full payment from the government unless they successfully place at least 70% of the students from your batch in formal jobs.
- Minimum Wage Protection (Hidden Clause): The agency cannot just place you in a local shop for ₹3,000/month. The scheme explicitly states that the salary you are offered must meet or exceed the state's official minimum wage laws, or specific benchmarks (e.g., ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on course length).
- No Cash Salaries Accepted: To prevent fraud, the government only considers you "placed" if your employer pays your salary via Bank Transfer (NEFT/RTGS). Cash salaries are completely rejected by the system.
- Physical Verification (PPV): Do not try to fake a job. The government conducts Physical Placement Verifications (PPV), where an official will video call you or physically visit your office to confirm you are actually working there and receiving the stated salary.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 15 to 35 years. (Upper age limit relaxed to 45 years for women, SC, ST, PVTGs, and persons with disabilities).
- Background: Must be from a rural poor household.
- Proof required (Any one): BPL Card. MGNREGA worker card with at least 15 days of work in the last year. RSBY Health Card. Antyodaya Anna Yojana card. * Member of an NRLM Self-Help Group (SHG).
Exact Navigation Path: How to Join
Unlike PMKVY where you enroll online yourself, DDU-GKY relies heavily on local mobilization.
- Kaushal Panjee: Go to the official mobilization portal kaushalpanjee.nic.in and register yourself as a candidate.
- Local Mobilization Camps: Gram Panchayats frequently hold "Rozgar Melas" or mobilization camps where DDU-GKY agencies pitch their courses. Attend these camps with your Aadhaar and BPL proof.
- Visit a Training Center: You can locate active DDU-GKY training centers in your district via the ddugky.gov.in website and walk in for an assessment.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Central Portal | ddugky.gov.in |
| Candidate Registration | kaushalpanjee.nic.in |
FAQs
I want to leave my job after 1 month. Will the government punish me?
No, you will not be punished. However, the scheme tracks retention. The training agency will try very hard to counsel you to stay in the job (or find you a new one) for at least 3 months, because they don't get their final payment until you complete 3 months of continuous employment.
Is boarding and lodging really free?
Yes. If the training center is residential (meaning you live there during the 3-6 month course), your food, bed, and training materials are 100% funded by the government.
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