Eastern India’s largest platform for vocational excellence came alive on Friday as the IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the East Region officially began at the Skill Development Institute, Taraboi, Jatni, Bhubaneswar.
More than 200 young competitors from Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have gathered for the four-day showdown. They will test their mastery across 59 diverse skill categories — spanning traditional crafts to advanced technologies — in what is being hailed as the region’s biggest showcase of skill, talent, and technical prowess.
Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the competition forms a vital rung in India’s national skilling ladder. High performers will advance to the national IndiaSkills Competition and have the chance to represent the country at WorldSkills International.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, highlighted the event’s significance: “India’s growth story will be shaped by the immense potential of our youth and their ability to translate talent into excellence. IndiaSkills is nurturing a culture where vocational mastery is aspirational, competitive, and aligned with global benchmarks.”
Odisha’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSME, Fisheries and Animal Resource Development, Gokulananda Mallick, echoed the sentiment: “By strengthening our skilling ecosystem, we are not just preparing youth for livelihoods; we are empowering them to innovate, lead, and contribute to a stronger Odisha and a Viksit Bharat.”
The competition features 37 skills conducted onsite with live demonstrations and 22 evaluated through offsite formats, ensuring broad and inclusive assessment. This year’s national cycle has already recorded impressive participation, with 3.65 lakh candidates registering from across 35 States and Union Territories via the Skill India Digital Hub.
The opening ceremony was graced by senior dignitaries, including Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha; Rashmita Panda, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, MSME, Government of Odisha; Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar; Amiya Kumar Rath, Vice-Chancellor, BPUT; and senior MSDE officials.
The Eastern Region is fast emerging as a major talent hub, backed by new industrial clusters, rising investments, and a robust technical education network. The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 reaffirms its pivotal role in shaping a skilled, confident, and globally competitive India.
The closing ceremony and prize distribution will be held on 2 March 2026.
