What this scheme offers
Utkarsh Bangla, launched on 16 February 2016 by order of the Technical Education, Training & Skill Development Department, is West Bengal's flagship for non-institutional, short-term, job-linked skill training. It is run through the Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development (PBSSD), and the training is free of cost: courses last 400 to 1,200 hours and cover trades such as tailoring, beautician work, two-wheeler service, data entry, general duty assistant and vermicompost production. Empanelled training providers run them at registered centres under each district's skill development plan, and assessment and certification are by the state's technical and vocational council. Under the Swapno Bhor convergence programme, Kanyashree girls get priority in admission. The department's page was updated in May 2026, after the change of government, and district skill pages were updated in August 2026.
Who is eligible
- People aged 18 to 45 who have studied at least up to Class 5, according to the department's citizen-service table.
- Each course sets its own qualification, from Class 5 for some trades to Class 10 for others.
- Kanyashree girls are given priority in admission under Swapno Bhor.
- Training is free — no fees are charged to trainees.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of age and educational qualification
- Passport-size photograph and mobile number
- Bank account details
- Kanyashree identity, if applying for the priority route
How to apply
- Visit the PBSSD portal (pbssd.gov.in) and open the course list for your district.
- Pick a course and a nearby training centre that match your qualification.
- Register online with your details, or ask the centre or your block office to register you.
- Attend the 400 to 1,200 hour training; the training provider assists with placement.
- Take the assessment to earn the state council's certificate.