The IndiaSkills Competition 2024, which is underway from 15^th to 19^th May 2024 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka has been witnessing increased participation of women in trades that were previously dominated by men. Female participants are competing head-to-head with their male counterparts, showcasing a lot of fervor and enthusiasm, and proving that skill and talent know no gender boundaries.

This year, IndiaSkills is witnessing the participation of 900+ candidates from 30+ States and Union Territories in 61 skills and 400+ industry experts. More than 170 women are participating in trades like Logistics & Freight Forwarding, Web Technologies, Visual Merchandising, Fashion Technology, Graphic Design Technology, Painting and Decorating, Electrical Installations, Industrial Design Technology, and Renewable Energy. The competition is also offering a platform to provide equal opportunities. In previous years, Plumbing & heating skill witnessed participation by a female candidate. Landscape gardening skill had two all-women teams. Visual merchandising was female dominated too. Mobile robotics also saw a team of two girls.

“IndiaSkills 2024 has seen a remarkable increase in women’s participation, showcasing their immense talent and resilience. This growing representation is not just a testament to their skills but also a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable future for our nation,” said Sonu Lather, winner of IndiaSkills 2022 and jury member of IndiaSkills 2024.

Kirteeparna Sadangi, a participant in IndiaSkill 2024 from Odisha said that she was inspired by the previous year’s competitor Rinki Mahato. “If I get the chance to jet off to France, I am determined to paint our tricolour proud on the global stage,” she added.

New-age skills like Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Automobile Repairing, Cloud Computing, and Mechatronics are also garnering a lot of popularity in this edition of IndiaSkills 2024. Candidates are participating in these emerging trades with lot of zeal and determination. New-age skills are becoming crucial for bolstering the country’s economy by driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and expanding job opportunities. These skills are fostering a vibrant start-up ecosystem, creating new roles, and attracting foreign direct investment, all of which contribute to economic growth. Additionally, proficiency in digital and technological skills enhances the country’s export capabilities, supports sustainable development through green technologies, and improves overall living standards through smart infrastructure.

“IndiaSkills 2024 highlights the pivotal role of new-age skills in shaping our future, with participants demonstrating expertise in cutting-edge technologies. These skills are driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and positioning India as a global leader in the digital economy,” said Akshat Marathi from Maharashtra, jury of Autonomous Mobile Robotics.

Winners of IndiaSkills 2024, with the help of best industry trainers, will prepare for the WorldSkills Competition scheduled to take place in Lyon, France in September 2024 and will bring together 1,500 competitors from over 70 countries. This year, early trends further predict that India will win medals in automobile, hospitality, mechatronics, and water technology in WorldSkills.

Alongside the trainers, the competitors are being guided by winners of previous WorldSkills. This is not only helping them to understand the nuances of the trade but also helping them gain that extra edge. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), working under the aegis of MSDE, is implementing the event and it will conclude on 19th May with a grand closing ceremony.

This year the participants will have the opportunity to earn credits, within the National Credit Framework. All skills showcased in both the WorldSkills and IndiaSkills Competitions are meticulously aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), empowering participants to creditize their learning outcomes and lead a thriving career in their chosen fields. It is also the first time that IndiaSkills has incorporated a competition information system called Qrencia.

About 2.5 lakh candidates registered for the competition on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) Portal, out of which 26,000 were shortlisted through a process of pre-screening. This data was shared with the states for organising the state and district level competition, out of which 900+ students were further shortlisted for IndiaSkills National competition.

This year, IndiaSkills is supported by more than 400 Industry and Academic Partners like Toyota Kirloskar, Autodesk, JK Cement, Maruti Suzuki, Lincoln Electric, NAMTECH, Vega, Loreal, Schneider Electric, Festo India, Artemis, Medanta, and Cygnia Healthcare.