PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (RPL): Benefits, Process & Eligibility

PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana-RPL program evaluates and certifies skills that a person has acquired through experience, work, or informal learning. Offering PMKVY skill certification has helped workers in the unorganized sectors get formal recognition without actually having to undergo long training programs.

RPL certification enhances employability, adds monetary benefits, and enables skill sets to meet national standards. It helps the employee, employer, and overall workforce ecology by promoting competency validation, increasing job prospects, and motivating further skill development through the use of the Recognition of Prior Learning framework.

What is PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana - RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a key component under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) that aims to formally certify the skills people gain through work experience or informal learning. It helps boost confidence among workers and improves their chances of better job opportunities, especially for those coming from the unorganized sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning evaluates the skills and competencies individuals have already acquired—whether through workplace experience, community activities, or other informal settings—and provides them with official certification. The goal is to validate non-formal and informal learning, ensuring skilled workers receive the recognition they deserve.

PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

The PMKVY is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. It aims at enabling a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is one of the components under the PMKVY, which focuses on certifying the skills of experienced people.

Target Beneficiaries

RPL targets workers with existing skills but no formal certificate. This includes construction workers, domestic helpers, artisans, and other workers in various unorganized sectors. It aims to empower these individuals by validating their professional experience.

Key Components of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana – RPL

The PMKVY RPL framework includes several core elements. It involves mobilization, counselling, and pre-screening of candidates. Skill assessment is conducted by accredited agencies. Certification is provided for successful candidates. Financial incentives motivate participation and acknowledge achievement.

Objectives of RPL under PMKVY

The main aim is to align skills of the unorganized workforce to the NSQF, which standardizes skills across various sectors. It also provides pathways for certified individuals to pursue further skilling or higher education with PMKVY skill certification. This, in turn, will enhance productivity and quality of work.

Benefits of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana – RPL Certification

RPL certification provides many benefits: the person gets formal recognition of skills that may lead to wage increases and job promotion; for them, it helps in building self-esteem and allows social movement. For the employers, it leads to a recognized and skilled workforce. And for the nation, a standardized and qualified pool of labor is achieved.

• Cash Reward: Each certified candidate receives ₹500 as an encouragement reward.

• Accidental Insurance: A 3-year accidental insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh is provided to every certified candidate.

• RPL Kit: Candidates under eligible RPL types receive a standard RPL kit.

Types of RPL Projects Under PMKVY 3.0

PMKVY 3.0 offers different types of Recognition of Prior Learning - RPL projects to certify the skills of workers across various sectors. These RPL types are designed to suit different training needs, workplaces, and learning modes.

• RPL Type 1 (Camps):
  Conducted at locations where workers of a particular sector are grouped together, such as industrial or traditional skill clusters.

• RPL Type 2 (Employer Premises):
  Held directly at the employer’s workplace for their industrial employees.

• RPL Type 3 (RPL by Demand):
  Conducted at designated PMKK/PMKVY centers. Individuals or District Skill Committees (DSCs) can request RPL for any approved job role.

• RPL Type 4 (Best-in-Class Employers – BICE):
  For large corporations or medium-scale enterprises fulfilling SSC criteria. No orientation module; only assessment is conducted.

• RPL Type 5 (Online RPL):
  Open to all skill seekers who want to take an online assessment and get certified. Applicable for job roles suited for complete online evaluation (theory + practical).

RPL Kit Includes (for Types 1, 2 & 3)

Candidates under RPL Types 1, 2, and 3 receive a specially designed RPL Kit to support their training and assessment. This kit includes essential items and study materials needed for the respective job role.

• 01 Standard PMKVY T-shirt (Male)
  OR Jacket/T-shirt (Female & Transgender)—choice available.

• 01 Standard PMKVY Cap

• Study Material for the specific job role

• Job-role related tools/items (optional, based on requirement)

Eligibility of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana – RPL

RPL is open to any Indian citizen who meets the following conditions:

• Age between 18 and 45 years

• Has prior work experience in the job role they want to get RPL certified for, as defined by the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs)

• Holds an Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account

• Meets any additional work experience requirements set by the respective SSCs

If candidates fall outside the 18–45 age range, the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) must seek approval from the PMKVY 3.0 Executive Committee or the State-level Empowered Committee.

Process of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana – RPL

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process follows a structured pathway to evaluate and certify an individual’s existing skills. Each step ensures that candidates are properly guided, assessed, and rewarded for their competencies:

• Mobilization & Counselling: Candidates are identified and informed about the RPL process, benefits, and job roles.

• Pre-Screening: Basic eligibility, prior experience, and skill levels are evaluated.

• Skill Assessment: An approved assessment body conducts theory and practical tests.

• Certification: Successful candidates receive an RPL certificate issued by the Sector Skill Council.

• DBT Reward: Eligible certified candidates receive a direct benefit transfer (DBT) as per scheme guidelines.