Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026: How to Apply, Eligibility, Benefits & Form

The Union Budget 2026-27 marks a significant policy pivot in India’s approach to disability inclusion. At the heart of this transformation is the Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026, a flagship initiative announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to move beyond welfare-based assistance and towards skill-led, technology-enabled, dignified livelihoods for persons with disabilities.

Alongside it, the government unveiled the Divyang Sahara Yojana, strengthening India’s assistive technology ecosystem by scaling up the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) with deeper integration of artificial intelligence and research.

Together, these Divyang Kaushal Schemes signal a clear message under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Viksit Bharat: empowerment through capability, not charity.

What Is Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026?

The Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 is a national skill development and livelihood programme specifically designed for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). The scheme focuses on providing industry-relevant, customised training, aligned with current and future labour market needs.

Unlike earlier disability schemes that prioritised subsidies or one-time support, Divyang Kaushal Schemes emphasise long-term employability, income security, and workforce participation.

Core Philosophy: Skills Over Subsidies

Unlike traditional welfare programs, the scheme emphasizes “skills over subsidies,” focusing on long-term income security through workforce participation. It aligns with the broader vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ by integrating Divyangjan into the mainstream economy.

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Key Announcements Under Divyang Kaushal Schemes (Budget 2026)

Scheme	Allocation	Core Focus
Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026	₹200 crore	Skill training & livelihoods
Divyang Sahara Yojana	₹100 crore	Assistive devices & AI
ALIMCO Support	Integrated	R&D, production scale-up
PM Divyasha Kendras	Expansion	One-stop assistive services

These allocations position Divyang Kaushal Schemes as a structured ecosystem rather than isolated interventions.

Why Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026?

India has over 2.6 crore persons with disabilities, yet labour force participation remains low due to barriers such as:

Lack of accessible training
Inadequate assistive devices
Mismatch between skills and jobs
Social stigma and employer hesitation

The Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 addresses these gaps by integrating skills, technology, and market demand into one policy framework.

Sectors Covered Under Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026

The scheme focuses on task-oriented, process-driven sectors where inclusive hiring potential is high.

Priority Sectors –

Information Technology (IT)
Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC)
Hospitality & Tourism
Food & Beverage Services
Digital Services & Back-office Operations

These sectors were chosen under Divyang Kaushal Schemes for their adaptability to diverse disabilities and growing demand.

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Eligibility: Who Can Apply for Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026?

To apply under Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026, an applicant must:

Primary Beneficiaries: Indian citizens certified as Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Age Group: Typically, individuals aged 18 to 45 years, though specific training programs may have flexible age brackets.
Educational Qualification: Varies by trade. Many programs, especially in sectors like IT and AVGC, may require minimum secondary education (Class 10 pass), while others in hospitality or food services may be open to all.
Disability-Specific Training: Training modules are customized for specific disability groups (visual, hearing, locomotor, intellectual, etc.) to ensure appropriateness and effectiveness.

How and Who Can Apply: Divyang Kaushal Yojana Form Explained

While detailed guidelines are awaited, officials indicate the following steps for Divyang Kaushal Schemes:

Registration: Eligible individuals can register through the official portal (to be launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities) or at PM Divyasha Kendras and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
Divyang Kaushal Yojana Form: The application form will require basic details, disability certificate information, educational qualifications, and preferred trade/sector.
Counselling and Assessment: Post-registration, candidates will undergo a counselling session to identify suitable training programs based on aptitude, interest, and local job market needs.
Training Allocation: Selected candidates will be enrolled in partner Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) training centres, or specialized NGOs.
Commencement of Training: Training will follow a blended model (online + offline) with accessible learning materials and assistive aids provided as needed.

The Divyang Kaushal Yojana form is expected to be online-first, with offline facilitation at district-level centres for accessibility.

Benefits: How Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana Transforms Lives?

The scheme offers a multi-faceted benefits package aimed at holistic empowerment:

Benefit Type	Description
Market-Relevant Training	Customized courses in high-growth sectors: IT, AVGC, Hospitality, Food & Beverages.
Industry Partnerships	Direct linkage with employers for assured placement interviews and apprenticeship opportunities.
Stipend Support	Monthly financial support during training to cover basic expenses and encourage participation.
Certification	Government-recognized certificates enhancing employability and credit in the job market.
Post-Placement Support	Mentoring and counseling for sustained employment and career progression.
Entrepreneurship Guidance	For those inclined towards self-employment, linkage to credit schemes and startup incubation.

Under Divyang Kaushal Schemes 2026, benefits extend beyond training to real income opportunities.

Divyang Sahara Yojana: The Enablement Pillar

What is Divyang Sahara Yojana?

This complementary scheme supports the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to scale up production of high-quality assistive devices. It also funds research & development and integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into product design. Furthermore, it strengthens PM Divyasha Kendras and establishes Assistive Technology Marts—modern retail hubs where users can trial and purchase aids.

Is Divyang Kaushal Yojana a repackage of budgetary support for ALIMCO?

No. While both schemes are interlinked, they serve distinct purposes. The Divyang Kaushal Yojana is a skill and livelihood program, whereas the Divyang Sahara Yojana focuses on manufacturing, technology, and access to assistive devices. Together, they form a holistic ecosystem—one enabling through skills, the other through technology.

Role of ALIMCO in Divyang Kaushal Schemes:

ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) is a central pillar of Divyang Kaushal Schemes.

Expanded Role in Budget 2026 –

Increased production capacity
AI-driven customisation of devices
Support to PM Divyasha Kendras
Creation of Assistive Technology Marts

This positions ALIMCO as not just a manufacturer, but a technology-driven enabler.

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What Are PM Divyasha Kendras?

PM Divyasha Kendras are one-stop service centres for Divyangjan and senior citizens.

Services Offered –

Assessment & evaluation
Counselling
Distribution of assistive devices
Post-distribution care

Under Divyang Kaushal Schemes, these centres will be strengthened and expanded nationwide.

Assistive Technology Marts: A New Retail Model

A major innovation under the Divyang Sahara Yojana is the creation of Assistive Technology Marts.

Why This Matters?

Divyangjan can see, try, and choose products
Reduces dependency on camps
Promotes dignity and choice

This retail-style approach modernises disability support under Divyang Kaushal Schemes.

Is Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 a Repackage of ALIMCO Support?

This question has sparked debate.

The Answer: No — It’s an Expansion

Earlier Model	Budget 2026 Model
Welfare-centric	Workforce-centric
Device distribution	Skills + devices
Limited R&D	AI & innovation focus
Passive support	Livelihood-driven

The Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 goes beyond ALIMCO’s traditional role by integrating training, employment, and technology.

Comparison: Divyang Kaushal Schemes vs Earlier Disability Programmes

Aspect	Earlier Schemes	Divyang Kaushal Schemes
Focus	Welfare	Capability
Approach	Subsidies	Skills
Technology	Limited	AI-driven
Employment	Indirect	Direct
Dignity	Dependency	Independence

Linkages With Rural Economy and Farmer Income

The Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 aligns with broader rural development initiatives.

Convergence Areas –

Agriculture value chains
Food processing units
Rural MSMEs
Local entrepreneurship

This ensures inclusive growth without urban migration pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):

Q1: What is the main objective of Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana?
A: The primary objective is to move beyond welfare and provide dignified livelihood opportunities to persons with disabilities through customized, industry-relevant skill training, leading to wage or self-employment.

Q2: How is this scheme different from previous disability schemes?
A: Earlier schemes often focused on subsidies, pensions, and device distribution. The 2026 Kaushal Yojana marks a paradigm shift by prioritizing skill development, market linkage, and economic integration as the core tools for empowerment.

Q3: Can a person with intellectual disabilities apply?
A: Yes. The scheme mandates customized training specific to each Divyang group. Training partners will develop specialized modules for intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on repetitive-task-based roles in supportive environments.

Q4: Are there any linkages with rural employment?
A: Absolutely. The Budget speech explicitly links Divyangjan empowerment with farmer income initiatives. Training will be offered in agriculture-adjacent sectors like food processing, packaging, warehouse management, and rural entrepreneurship, creating localized livelihood opportunities.

Q5: What role does AI play in these schemes?
A: AI is a cross-cutting enabler. In the Kaushal Yojana, it may be used for personalized learning platforms. In the Sahara Yojana, AI will drive R&D for smarter assistive devices—like AI-powered prosthetics or predictive mobility aids.

The Bigger Signal From Budget 2026

Through Divyang Kaushal Schemes, Budget 2026 reframes disability inclusion as an economic and workforce strategy, not just social support.

By linking skills, assistive technology, AI, and employment, the Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 strengthens India’s human capital while promoting equity.

Conclusion: From Welfare to Workforce

The launch of Divyang Kaushal Yojana 2026 and Divyang Sahara Yojana represents one of the most consequential shifts in disability policy in recent years.

If implemented effectively, these Divyang Kaushal Schemes can: