The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) is sponsoring a free skill development training programme aimed at enhancing the employability of candidates who have passed Class 10 in Assam. The initiative provides free boarding, lodging, and placement assistance, targeting youth across various districts in the state.
This programme addresses the pressing issue of youth unemployment and skill gaps in Assam, offering a pathway to gain industry-relevant skills and secure employment. The comprehensive support, including accommodation and job placement aid, is designed to remove financial barriers and facilitate greater participation from eligible candidates.
What was announced
The free skill development training programme is sponsored by NEEPCO, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The initiative targets candidates who have successfully completed Class 10 and are residents of Assam. It offers a four-month training curriculum, culminating in a government-approved certificate. Key benefits for participants include free training, complimentary boarding and lodging, and crucial placement assistance upon completion of the course, according to information made available for the initiative.
Why it matters
The programme holds significant importance for Assam, a state grappling with a substantial number of unemployed youth. Recent data tabled in the Assam Assembly revealed that over 15.43 lakh people were registered as unemployed as of June 30, 2026. This figure includes a large number of educated job seekers, with graduates forming the largest category at 6,48,899 registrations, followed by 1,16,159 postgraduates. The unemployment rate among youth aged 15 and above who were available for work but could not find it stood at 1.7 percent in Assam during 2022-23, compared to 3.2 percent nationally.
Skill development initiatives are crucial in bridging the gap between academic qualifications and industry demands. The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM), established by the Government of Assam, aims to build the capacity of unemployed youth and deliver quality skill training for meaningful employment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has previously highlighted the importance of skilling the state’s youth to make them fit for employment and self-employment, inaugurating training centres under the ASDM in September 2023. The state’s 2026-27 budget also prioritises skill development and employment generation, with a target of creating 200,000 new employment opportunities.
Background
NEEPCO, a “Mini Ratna” Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd., is engaged in planning, designing, and executing power projects across hydro, thermal, and solar sectors in the North Eastern Region. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Scheme, NEEPCO is committed to community development, promoting education, entrepreneurship skill development, health, and sanitation. The company’s CSR mission is to be a responsible corporate entity nurturing human values with concern for society and the environment, aiming for a sustainable impact on communities.
The broader landscape of skill development in Assam has seen various government initiatives. The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) oversees several programmes, including domain-based fresh skilling, recognition of prior learning, and placement-linked skill development training. These efforts are designed to make youth employable, create self-employment opportunities, and bridge skill gaps. Furthermore, the Assam government has partnered with entities like Tata-Nelco to implement a “Hub and Spoke Model” in government schools to introduce industry-relevant skill courses for students from Classes nine to 12.
Key details
The NEEPCO-sponsored skill development programme is open to candidates who have cleared their Class 10 examinations. The training is provided free of cost and includes comprehensive support such as free accommodation and meals. Participants will also receive placement assistance to help them secure jobs after completing the four-month course. The programme is specifically for candidates from Assam and aims to benefit youth in districts including Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Guwahati, among others.
What’s next
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the programme. While a specific last date for application has not been publicly specified, the “Apply Now” call indicates that the programme is actively seeking participants. Prospective applicants should refer to the application link for further details and to submit their applications promptly.
Quick FAQs
Who is eligible for this training programme?
Candidates who have passed Class 10 and are residents of Assam are eligible to apply for this free skill development training programme.
What benefits does the programme offer?
The programme offers free training, free boarding and lodging, a government-approved certificate upon completion, and placement assistance to help participants find employment.
How long is the training duration?
The skill development training programme is for a duration of four months.
Which districts are covered under this initiative?
The programme targets candidates from various districts in Assam, including Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Guwahati.
Sources & References
Source: Assam Power Corporation FREE Skill Development Certificate 2026 (YouTube)