The National Career Service Centre (NCSC) for SC/ST, Guwahati, operating under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has opened applications for free and stipendiary skill development training programmes for the 2026-27 academic session, with the deadline for submissions set for **May 31, 2026**.
This initiative aims to enhance the employability and technical skills of unemployed Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth in Assam, aligning with the broader objectives of the National Career Service (NCS) project to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. The programmes offer a range of courses, including information technology, accounting, and competitive examination coaching, designed to equip participants with industry-relevant skills.
What was announced
The National Career Service Centre (NCSC) for SC/ST, Guwahati, a subordinate office of the Directorate General of Employment (DGE) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, announced the commencement of applications for its skill development training programmes for the 2026-27 session. The official notification, released on **May 20, 2026**, detailed that both free and stipendiary training options are available for eligible SC/ST job seekers. The training programmes will be conducted at the NCSC for SC/ST facility located in Gopinath Nagar, Guwahati.
Why it matters
This announcement is significant for SC/ST youth in Assam, offering them access to crucial skill enhancement opportunities without financial burden. The programmes are designed to improve their chances of securing employment in a competitive job market by providing vocational guidance, confidence-building, personality development, and specialized training. Many courses also include a monthly stipend of up to **₹1,000** and free books and stationery, which helps support candidates during their training period. The inclusion of a two-month foundation course on Artificial Intelligence Technology highlights the government’s focus on equipping youth with skills relevant to emerging industries.
Background
The National Career Service Centres for SC/STs, formerly known as Coaching-cum-Guidance Centres for SC/STs, were established based on recommendations from the Elayaperumal Committee in 1969. These centres were conceived to enhance the employability of educated SC/ST job seekers by offering various training courses and guidance. The DGE, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, oversees these 25 centres across the country, including the one in Guwahati.
The initiative aligns with the broader Skill India Mission, launched on **July 15, 2015**, which aims to train over 400 million people in India with various skills to improve employability and promote entrepreneurship. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) also prioritize skill development for disadvantaged groups, including SC/ST communities. Government data indicates a positive impact of such skill development efforts, with employability among Indian graduates rising to **54.81%** as per the India Skills Report 2025, and the overall unemployment rate falling to **5.2%** in July 2025. The NCSC for SC/ST, Guwahati, plays a vital role in implementing these national objectives at the regional level, focusing on inclusive growth and workforce quality.
Key details
The training programmes for the 2026-27 session include a variety of one-year courses and a specialized two-month programme. One-year courses comprise:
- Special Coaching Scheme (for competitive examinations)
- ‘O’ Level Software Training
- Computer Hardware Maintenance Training
- Office Automation and Publishing Assistant
- Computer Application and Business Accounting Associate
- Cyber Secured Web Development Associate Programme
Additionally, a two-month Foundation of Artificial Intelligence Technology course is being offered.
Eligibility criteria for applicants include:
- Age between **18 and 30 years** as on **July 1, 2026**. (For the Special Coaching Scheme, the age limit is **18-27 years** as on **July 1, 2026**).
- Minimum educational qualification of Higher Secondary (10+2) pass.
- Belonging to a family with an annual income of up to **₹3 lakh**.
- Applicants must be unemployed jobseekers and registered with an Employment Exchange.
Selected candidates for most one-year courses will receive a monthly stipend of **₹1,000**, along with free books and stationery. The Artificial Intelligence Foundation course is free but does not include stipend support. The courses are scheduled to commence from **July 1, 2026**.
What’s next
Interested candidates must submit their applications to the National Career Service Centre for SC/ST, Guwahati, on or before **May 31, 2026**. Applications can be submitted through the official websites of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (www.dge.gov.in) or the National Career Service Portal (www.ncs.gov.in), or by visiting the NCSC for SC/ST office in Guwahati. Applicants will be informed of their selection status following a comprehensive evaluation process.