THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 2, 2026

The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the Eastern Region concluded today at the SDI Auditorium, Bhubaneswar, celebrating youth talent, technical excellence and regional pride. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the competition brought together over 200 skilled youth from Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Participants competed across 59 skill categories, including 37 demonstrated onsite and 22 assessed through innovative formats, all aligned with national and global industry standards.

Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, said - “The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 in the Eastern Region reflects the rising aspirations and capabilities of our youth. The Eastern states are steadily strengthening India’s growth story, and what we have witnessed here is not just competition, but a culture of excellence aligned with global standards. Such platforms deepen collaboration between states, industry and institutions, ensuring that talent from every district finds opportunity. I commend all participants and experts whose dedication embodies the spirit of Skill India and advances our collective journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, said, - “As we speak of building a Viksit Bharat, we must recognise that true development goes beyond physical or economic growth. Real progress is rooted in skills. It is driven by capability, confidence and access to the right opportunities. As Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has emphasised, when knowledge and skills align with the needs of the nation, their impact multiplies significantly. This vision is also echoed by Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who has underscored that strengthening skill development is fundamental to building a Viksit Odisha. The Skill India Mission provides every individual with a meaningful platform to showcase their skills on a global stage, including at competitions like WorldSkills Competition. The skills being imparted today will shape your future. They will open doors, create opportunities and take you to global platforms where your talent can truly shine”

Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of State for Higher Education; Youth & Sports; and Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, added, - “The Skill India Mission, envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, has transformed skilling into a true national movement. The vision of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has further strengthened the integration of education with employability and innovation. Under the leadership of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, this ecosystem has gained clear direction and renewed momentum. Infact, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, has also emphasized that strengthening skill development is central to building a Viksit Odisha.

He further added – “Today, as we witness over winners across diverse skill categories, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you. Your achievement reflects dedication, discipline and excellence. I also appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and National Skill Development Corporation for successfully organizing this platform. Skilling is a continuous journey, and it demands consistent effort, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.”

At the closing ceremony of the four-day event, 169 outstanding performers were awarded medals including Gold (53), Silver (48), Bronze (31) and Medallions for Excellence (37). The skills showcased ranged from cloud computing, electronics, CNC machining, mobile app development and web technologies to hospitality, beauty therapy, floristry, fashion technology and welding. Odisha topped the tally of winners, reflecting the state’s focused investment in skill development, followed by Bihar and West Bengal, underscoring the expanding ecosystem of vocational training and professional excellence in eastern India.

The winners from the Eastern Region now advance within the IndiaSkills ecosystem as part of India’s national talent pipeline, with the potential to represent the country at WorldSkills and other international skill platforms. The competition highlighted the expanding depth and reach of skill development initiatives in the region, reflecting a system where young talent is systematically identified, nurtured and benchmarked against national and international standards.

The IndiaSkills Regional Competition serves as a vital pillar of India’s skill development architecture. Collaboration between the Central and State Governments, Sector Skill Councils, academic institutions and industry partners ensures the initiative remains impactful, inclusive and future-ready.

Aligned with national priorities such as Skill India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, the IndiaSkills initiative is shaping a future where talent, opportunity and innovation converge. In the Eastern Region, young participants demonstrated that dedication, creativity and technical expertise can open pathways to meaningful careers and global recognition. Their achievements stand as a testament to the region’s growing ecosystem of training, mentorship and institutional support, helping transform skilled youth into leaders of tomorrow.

The closing ceremony celebrated this spirit of excellence in every sense. Cultural performances infused the event with vibrancy, while each medallist was honoured for hard work, precision and determination. A specially curated audio-visual presentation traced the participants’ journeys, highlighting the challenges they overcame and milestones achieved during the competition. Beyond the awards, the ceremony reinforced a larger vision: that skill is not merely a career pathway, but a powerful force for empowerment, confidence and regional and national progress.

The day concluded with a sense of pride, optimism and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on all present and setting the tone for a Viksit Bharat powered by skilled youth.