Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana is a Central Government initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to provide industry-relevant, customised skill training to persons with disabilities in IT, AVGC, Hospitality, and Food and Beverages sectors for dignified livelihood opportunities. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Implementation guidelines are currently under development.
Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana |
| Announced In | Union Budget 2026-27 |
| Announcement Date | 1 February 2026 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Department | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) |
| Scheme Type | Skill Development and Employment Scheme |
| Not a | Cash Transfer or DBT Scheme |
| Main Objective | Provide industry-relevant, customised skill training specific to each divyang group for dignified livelihood opportunities |
| Target Sectors | Information Technology (IT), Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics (AVGC), Hospitality, Food and Beverages |
| Training Approach | Customised training specific to each disability group, not a one-size-fits-all approach |
| Focus | Task-oriented and process-driven roles suitable for Divyangjan |
| Legal Alignment | Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 |
| Companion Scheme | Divyang Sahara Yojana, Assistive Technology Access Scheme, announced the same day |
| Post-Budget Webinar | DEPwD hosted a breakout session on 9 March 2026 |
| Application Status | Implementation guidelines awaited from DEPwD |
| Official Portal | disabilityaffairs.gov.in |
| Ministry Portal | socialjustice.gov.in |
Introduction of Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana: A Brief Insight
For most persons with disabilities in India, access to quality employment has always been limited to low-skill or charity-based work. The reason is simple, mainstream skill training programmes are rarely designed keeping specific disability types in mind. A visually impaired person, a hearing impaired person, and a person with locomotor disability all have different learning needs, different communication requirements, and different workplace strengths. Generic training fails all three. Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana changes this approach entirely.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana in the Union Budget 2026-27 on 1 February 2026. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) implements the scheme. The core idea is straightforward: provide industry-relevant, customised training specific to each divyang group in sectors that naturally offer task-oriented and process-driven roles. The four sectors selected are Information Technology (IT), Animation Visual Effects, Gaming Comics (AVGC), Hospitality, and Food and Beverages. These sectors were specifically chosen because they offer roles that Divyangjan can perform with dignity and independence based on their functional abilities.
This is not a cash transfer or DBT scheme. It is a skill development and employment pathway scheme. After the budget announcement, DEPwD hosted a dedicated post-budget webinar breakout session on 9 March 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, disability rights advocates, training institutions, and entrepreneurs. The webinar deliberated on expanding employment opportunities for Divyangjan and aligns with the vision of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016. Implementation guidelines and the official application process are yet to be released by DEPwD.
Divyangjan, who also needs access to modern assistive devices alongside skill training, can explore the Divyang Sahara Yojana, the companion scheme announced on the same day in Budget 2026-27. Divyang Sahara Yojana strengthens ALIMCO, expands 100 PM Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras across all States and UTs, and sets up Assistive Technology Marts where Divyangjan can see, try, and purchase mobility aids, hearing devices, e-Braille readers, and other assistive products.
Persons with disabilities, caregivers, NGOs, training institutions, and employers looking for more welfare schemes, skill development programmes, rehabilitation support, and employment initiatives for Divyangjan can also explore other available programmes under our Central Government Schemes List section.
Benefits Provided Under Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana
Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana provides industry-relevant, customised skill training to persons with disabilities in sectors that offer task-oriented and process-driven roles suitable for different divyang groups.
Skill Training Benefits
- The government provides industry-relevant, customised training specifically designed for each divyang group based on their functional abilities and disability type
- Training focuses on task-oriented and process-driven roles that are most suitable for Divyangjan in real workplace environments
- Training covers four high-growth sectors: Information Technology (IT), Animation, Visual Effects Gaming Comics (AVGC), Hospitality, and Food and Beverages
- Each training programme is customised to match the specific needs and strengths of the disability group — not a one-size-fits-all approach
Livelihood and Employment Benefits
- The scheme creates dignified livelihood opportunities for Divyangjan in mainstream industry sectors
- Training improves employability and helps Divyangjan secure industry-recognised roles in growing sectors
- The scheme expands employment pathways beyond traditional low-skill jobs by focusing on technology, creative, and hospitality sectors
- Aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 to ensure equal employment opportunities for Divyangjan
Broader Social Benefits
- The scheme supports the economic independence of Divyangjan, reducing dependence on family and welfare support
- The scheme promotes social inclusion by integrating Divyangjan into the mainstream industry and professional environment
- The scheme contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by recognising Divyangjan as productive contributors to the Indian economy
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana implementation guidelines are yet to be released by DEPwD. Based on the scheme structure and existing skill development frameworks for Divyangjan, the following conditions are expected to apply.
Expected Eligibility Conditions
- Applicant must be a person with disability (Divyangjan) as recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016
- Applicant must hold a valid Disability Certificate issued by a competent medical authority
- Applicant must possess a valid UDID Card (Unique Disability Identity Card) wherever applicable
- Applicant must be willing to pursue skill training in any of the target sectors, including IT, AVGC, Hospitality, or Food and Beverages
- Applicant must be a resident of India
- Additional eligibility conditions specific to each disability group and target sector will be notified by DEPwD in official guidelines
Who Can Benefit
- Visually impaired persons seeking IT and computer-based roles
- Hearing and speech-impaired persons are suitable for task-oriented process-driven roles in the AVGC sector
- Persons with locomotor disabilities seeking roles in the Hospitality and Food and Beverages sectors
- Persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities seeking customised training specific to their functional abilities
Documents Required to be Attached
Government of India has not yet released an official document checklist for the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana. Final document requirements will be confirmed only after DEPwD releases the complete implementation guidelines. Based on existing skill development frameworks for Divyangjan, the following documents are likely to be required.
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Disability Certificate issued by a competent medical authority
- UDID Card (Unique Disability Identity Card) wherever applicable
- Educational qualification certificates
- Address proof confirming residence in India
- Recent passport size photograph
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Bank account details with IFSC code
- Any additional documents as notified by DEPwD in the official implementation guidelines
Applicants must wait for the official implementation guidelines from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities before preparing documents for this scheme.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 on 1 February 2026. The Government of India is currently developing the implementation framework. Detailed application guidelines and the official training enrolment process are yet to be notified by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
DEPwD hosted a dedicated post-budget webinar breakout session on 9 March 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, disability rights advocates, training institutions, and entrepreneurs to deliberate on expanding employment opportunities for Divyangjan. Implementation framework, training centre empanelment, sector-wise training modules, and official application portal are all currently under development.
Divyangjan must regularly visit the official DEPwD portal at disabilityaffairs.gov.in for official updates on the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana application process and training enrolment details once implementation guidelines are released.
Important Links Available
- PIB Official Announcement, Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, Union Budget 2026-27.
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Divyangjan seeking information about Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, skill training opportunities, or scheme-related queries can contact through the following official channels.
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Room No. 526, 5th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi 110003
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana?
Ans. Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana is a Central Government initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 to provide industry-relevant, customised skill training to persons with disabilities in IT, AVGC, Hospitality, and Food and Beverages sectors for dignified livelihood opportunities.
Q. When was the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana announced?
Ans. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana in the Union Budget 2026-27 presented in Parliament on 1 February 2026.
Q. Which ministry implements the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana?
Ans. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) implements the scheme.
Q. Which sectors does Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana cover?
Ans. The scheme covers four sectors: Information Technology (IT), Animation Visual Effects, Gaming Comics (AVGC), Hospitality, and Food and Beverages. These sectors offer task-oriented and process-driven roles that are suitable for Divyangjan.
Q. Why were these four sectors selected?
Ans. IT, AVGC, Hospitality, and Food and Beverages sectors offer task-oriented and process-driven roles that are most suitable for persons with different types of disabilities. These roles can be customised based on each divyang group’s specific functional abilities.
Q. Is Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana a cash transfer or financial assistance scheme?
Ans. No. Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana is a skill training scheme. It provides industry-relevant, customised training for employment, not any form of cash transfer or DBT assistance.
Q. What is the companion scheme announced alongside Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana?
Ans. Divyang Sahara Yojana is the companion scheme announced on the same day in the Budget 2026-27. It focuses on improving access to modern assistive technologies for Divyangjan through ALIMCO strengthening, PM Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras, and Assistive Technology Marts.
Q. What is customised training under this scheme?
Ans. Customised training means training programmes specifically designed for each divyang group based on their disability type and functional abilities. For example, a visually impaired person receives different training content and delivery mode compared to a hearing impaired person, even if both are learning IT skills.
Q. Has the application process for Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana started?
Ans. No. The government is currently developing the implementation framework. Detailed operational guidelines, training centre empanelment, and official application process are yet to be notified by DEPwD.
Q. Did the Government hold any consultation on this scheme after the budget announcement?
Ans. Yes. DEPwD hosted a dedicated post-budget webinar breakout session on 9 March 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, disability rights advocates, training institutions, and entrepreneurs to deliberate on expanding employment opportunities for Divyangjan under this scheme.
Q. Is Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana aligned with any existing law?
Ans. Yes. The scheme aligns with the vision of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016, which mandates equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and inclusive growth for all persons with disabilities in India.
Q. Where can Divyangjan get updates on this scheme?
Ans. Divyangjan must regularly visit the official DEPwD portal at disabilityaffairs.gov.in for official updates on implementation guidelines, training centre details, and application process once they are released.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.