Progress under DDU-GKY under DAY-NRLM: training, placement targets and FY 2026-27 budget
DDU-GKY under DAY-NRLM: training–placement progress, industry-aligned sectors, and FY 2026-27 allocation
- DDU-GKY is a placement-linked skilling programme under DAY-NRLM aimed at rural youth livelihood diversification through industry-relevant training.
- DDU-GKY releases funds to PIAs subject to achieving placement targets, with a stated minimum placement requirement and a wage-employment composition requirement.
- DDU-GKY provides retention support for six months and tracking up to twelve months for eligible placed candidates.
- DDU-GKY uses skill gap studies and PIAs’ demand assessment to align training sectors with local, domestic and global job market needs.
What happened (government-reported progress and funding plan)
The Ministry of Rural Development reported cumulative implementation progress under DDU-GKY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya–Grameen Kaushalya Yojana), positioned under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The ministry stated that, till June 2026, the programme trained 18.45 lakh rural youth candidates and achieved 12.35 lakh placements, and that FY 2026-27 had a ₹ 750.00 crore Budget Estimate for the central share.
Background and earlier position
DDU-GKY provides an exam-relevant example of how skill development programmes can be structured around labour-market demand (skill gap studies, sector justification, placement-linked funding conditions) rather than only training inputs. UPSC framing typically evaluates whether outcomes (placement and retention support) align with the poverty-reduction and livelihood-diversification objectives of National Rural Livelihoods Missions.
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