Lucknow is set to become the epicenter of young talent as the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission kicks off its highly anticipated state-level competition. The event, which begins on Monday, January 12, 2026, will see a massive participation of 1,651 competitors selected from across all 75 districts of the state.
A Stepping Stone to National and Global Arenas
Minister of State for Vocational Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, Kapil Dev Agarwal, emphasized the competition's critical role. He stated that the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government is firmly dedicated to building a workforce that is technically adept, innovative, and ready to compete on the world stage. Agarwal highlighted that this event is a vital platform for spotting and nurturing talent, giving the youth of Uttar Pradesh exposure to national and international forums.
This state-level contest is a key qualifying stage for the India Skills Competition–2026. The top performers from Uttar Pradesh will earn the right to represent the state at the national event, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot to represent India at the prestigious World Skills Competition in Shanghai, China.
Three-Phase Structure and First Phase Details
The competition will unfold in three phases, culminating on January 23. An awards and certificate distribution ceremony is scheduled for January 24. Providing details of the initial round, Skill Development Mission Director Pulkit Khare said, "Approximately 570 participants from all 75 districts will participate in the first phase, scheduled for January 12-13, 2026."
In this opening phase, participants will showcase their abilities in six key trades:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Welding
- Electronics
- Fashion Technology
- CNC Milling
- CNC Turning
The first day will focus on technical orientation, where experts will provide insights into the World Skills competition framework and offer hands-on training with advanced machinery. The actual competitive assessments will be held on Tuesday, January 13.
Rigorous Evaluation Across Lucknow's Premier Institutes
The first phase will be hosted at multiple renowned institutions in the state capital, ensuring wide access to specialized infrastructure. The venues include:
- ITI Aliganj
- ITI Mohanlalganj
- ITOT
- Raymond Centre
- Government Polytechnic
- ITI Charbagh
- Women’s Polytechnic
- CIPET
Director Khare assured that all participants will be judged through a transparent and rigorous process. Evaluation will be based on multiple criteria including technical proficiency, innovation, creativity, and overall performance. This comprehensive approach aims to identify the most well-rounded and promising talents.
The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission competition, featuring 20 skill categories in total, underscores the state's strategic push towards vocational training and youth empowerment. It represents a concrete step in preparing a future-ready workforce that can contribute significantly to both the state's and the nation's economic growth.
