PM SETU Scheme
Table of Contents
India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat @2047 took a major leap forward with the launch of the PM-SETU Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) — a ₹60,000 crore initiative to modernize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and make skill development more industry-oriented and globally competitive.
This article explains the PM-SETU Scheme in simple, exam-ready language so that aspirants can easily remember and explain it in interviews or group discussions.
What is PM SETU Scheme?
PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 October 2025 during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh in New Delhi.
It aims to transform 1,000 government-run ITIs into modern, industry-aligned training institutions by upgrading their infrastructure, curriculum, and placement systems.
Objectives of PM SETU Scheme
- Transform traditional ITIs into world-class skill hubs.
- Bridge the gap between education and employability.
- Promote industry-driven courses to match the needs of the job market.
- Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and local production.
- Strengthen India’s position as a global provider of skilled manpower.
Key Features of PM SETU Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Oct 2025) |
| Full Form | Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs |
| Total Outlay | ₹60,000 crore |
| Type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
| Coverage | 1,000 Government ITIs (across all States/UTs) |
| Model | Hub-and-Spoke Model |
| Hub ITIs | 200 advanced ITIs with state-of-the-art infrastructure |
| Spoke ITIs | 800 associated ITIs linked to hubs for outreach |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) |
Structure – Hub and Spoke Model
Under PM-SETU:
- 200 Hub ITIs → act as Centres of Excellence with:
- Innovation & incubation centres
- Production units and labs
- Trainer training facilities
- Placement cells
- 800 Spoke ITIs → connected to hubs to extend reach to rural and semi-urban regions.
This ensures uniform access to modern training facilities and helps spread industrial linkages across India.
Key Components of PM SETU Scheme
- Curriculum Revamp:
- Introduce demand-driven, new-age courses (AI, robotics, EV maintenance, mechatronics, green jobs).
- Align courses with industry standards.
- Industry Collaboration:
- Each cluster will have a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with an Anchor Industry Partner to ensure training matches real-world requirements.
- Multi-Level Training Options:
- Long-term diplomas
- Short-term job-oriented courses
- Executive upskilling programs
- Strengthening National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs):
- 5 NSTIs in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana to be upgraded as Centres of Excellence with global collaboration.
Phase-1 Implementation (2025-27)
Under the first phase, 15 ITI clusters have been identified across India:
| Haryana | Sonipat |
| Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam |
| Uttar Pradesh | Bijnor, Meerut |
| Uttarakhand | Haridwar |
| Madhya Pradesh | Ujjain |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru Urban |
| Rajasthan | Bharatpur |
| Bihar | Darbhanga, Patna |
| Punjab | Hoshiarpur |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Odisha | Sambalpur |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Assam | Guwahati |
Each cluster will serve as a model ecosystem for skill excellence, integrating digital tools, modern workshops, and industry partnerships.
1,200 Vocational Skill Labs for School Students
Along with PM-SETU, the Prime Minister also inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and UTs.
- These labs will train school students in 12 high-demand sectors, including:
- IT, Automotive, Agriculture, Electronics, Logistics, BFSI, Tourism, etc.
- 1,200 vocational teachers have been trained to provide hands-on learning.
- Supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of integrating skill education at school level.
Significance of PM SETU Scheme
- Empowers India’s youth with employable skills.
- Bridges skill gap between industry needs and student capabilities.
- Promotes “Atmanirbhar Bharat” through skill-based manufacturing.
- Strengthens public-private partnership in the skilling ecosystem.
- Encourages rural & tribal youth to join mainstream employment.
- Aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
For Competitive Exams (Quick Notes)
| Parameter | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) |
| Launched On | 4 October 2025 |
| Launched By | PM Narendra Modi |
| Outlay | ₹60,000 crore |
| Objective | Transform ITIs, enhance employability, industry-driven training |
| Model | Hub & Spoke |
| Vocational Labs | 1,200 labs in 600 schools |
| Target Year | Linked to Viksit Bharat @2047 |
| Ministry | MSDE (Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship) |
FAQs on PM-SETU Scheme
What is the full form of PM-SETU?
Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
When was the PM-SETU scheme launched?
On 4th October 2025, during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
What is the total budget for PM-SETU?
₹60,000 crore.
What is the hub-and-spoke model in PM-SETU?
It links 200 advanced “hub ITIs” with 800 “spoke ITIs” for outreach and uniform access to high-quality training.
How many skill labs were inaugurated along with PM-SETU?
1,200 Vocational Skill Labs in Navodaya and Eklavya schools.
Which ministry implements PM-SETU?
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Source: PIB
