Bihar Kushal Yuva scheme extended till 2031: Check benefits, eligibility and key details

The Bihar government has approved the extension of the Kushal Yuva Programme for another five years. The scheme will now continue from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31.The government has allocated ₹430.08 crore for the programme in 2026-27. The scheme aims to improve the employability and skills of young people in Bihar.According to Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet) Md Sohail, the course curriculum will be updated to keep up with developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology.New courses to be addedThe updated training programme will include several new areas. These include:Solar energyDrone technologyNetworkingHome nursingMulti-skilled laboratory technician trainingEmergency medical technician trainingBeauty and wellnessWeb and information technologyDigital marketingBanking and financial servicesTallyLanguage skillsEntrepreneurshipThe scheme currently has a network of 6,436 training centres. These centres are expected to train around 2.57 lakh youths every year.The government expects the programme to support both employment and self-employment. Trained candidates will be able to use their skills to find jobs or start their own businesses.Who can apply for Kushal Yuva Programme?The programme is open to young people aged 15 to 28 years who have passed Class 10.The age limit is relaxed for certain categories:Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST): Up to 33 yearsOther Backward Classes (OBC): Up to 31 yearsPersons with Disabilities (PwD): Up to 33 yearsCandidates can join the training even if they are pursuing or have already completed a higher education course or degree.Youth aged 20 to 25 years who have opted for and been sanctioned the self-help allowance are also required to complete the training.What does the Kushal Yuva course cover?The Kushal Yuva Programme focuses on three main areas:Life skillsCommunication skills in English and HindiBasic computer literacyThe complete course is 240 hours long. This includes 40 hours of life skills training, 80 hours of communication skills training and around 120 hours of basic computer literacy training.When is the Kushal Yuva exam held?The Kushal Yuva Programme examination is conducted in the last week of every month.The exam is held in four slots:First slot: 8 am to 10 amSecond slot: 10.30 am to 12.30 pmThird slot: 1 pm to 3 pmFourth slot: 3.30 pm to 5.30 pmThe scheme was introduced to improve skill development opportunities for young people in Bihar by increasing training capacity, expanding access, making courses more relevant and improving awareness about skill-based education and training.Candidates can check the official Kushal Yuva Programme website for more information about registration, training centres, eligibility and examinations.