Skilled Indian Youth Set to Shine at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
India’s most promising young skilled professionals are ready to take on the world. A 70-member contingent is set to participate in the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026.
At a special send-off ceremony organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi, the competitors were lauded for their hard work, dedication, and resolve to represent the nation on the global stage.
Participants set to compete across 63 skill categories
This marks India's largest-ever team for this prestigious competition, with participants set to compete across 63 skill categories ranging from traditional trades to advanced technologies. Their participation reflects the growing confidence of India's youth and the country's strong focus on building a skilled workforce for the future.
Addressing the competitors, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, encouraged Team India to have faith in their abilities and compete with confidence. He remarked that the competition is not merely about winning medals but also about learning, growing, and demonstrating that Indian talent can compete with the best in the world. He also expressed hope that India would one day host the global skills competition, further strengthening the nation's role in the international skilling ecosystem.
Senior leaders from central and state governments, industry, training institutes, and the National Skill Development Corporation attended the ceremony. They congratulated the competitors and acknowledged the efforts of the trainers, mentors, and families who have supported the young participants throughout this journey.
India will compete in 11 new skill categories
This year, India will compete in 11 new skill categories, including Aircraft Maintenance, Software Testing, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Dental Prosthetics, and Intelligent Security Technology. These new categories demonstrate how India’s skilling ecosystem is evolving beyond traditional trades toward modern technologies and specialized industries that are shaping the future economy.
WorldSkills India Champions Club launched
The event also marked the launch of the 'WorldSkills India Champions Club.' This group, comprising 16 former competitors and medal winners, will provide mentorship to new participants and inspire more young people to pursue skill-based careers.
India’s preparations for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 have been supported by state governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutes, industry partners, and expert mentors. Their collaborative efforts have provided competitors with world-class training, advanced equipment, and international exposure, enabling them to perform in line with global standards.
India has consistently improved its performance at WorldSkills, rising from the 29th position in 2015 to secure the 13th spot at WorldSkills Lyon 2024. As Team India sets off for Shanghai, the competitors carry not only the nation's hopes but also the conviction that skill, innovation, and dedication can pave the way for global success. It is hoped that their journey will inspire millions of young Indians to excel through skills and contribute to the nation's progress.