“On June 16, 2025, Bihar Skill Development Mission launched a new IT training initiative targeting rural youth to enhance employability. The program offers free courses in coding, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, aiming to bridge the urban-rural skill gap. Over 10,000 youths are expected to benefit, with training centers established across rural Bihar.”
Bihar’s New IT Training Initiative to Empower Rural Youth
On June 16, 2025, the Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM) rolled out an ambitious IT training program aimed at empowering rural youth with cutting-edge technological skills. Launched under the state’s broader vision of fostering self-reliance, this initiative seeks to equip young individuals aged 15–28 with industry-relevant IT skills, including coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital literacy. The program, inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is designed to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, ensuring that Bihar’s youth can compete in the rapidly evolving tech-driven job market.
The initiative, part of the Kushal Yuva Program’s expanded framework, targets over 10,000 rural youths in its first phase. Training will be conducted through 150 newly established Block Skill Development Centers (BSDCs) across rural Bihar, equipped with high-end IT infrastructure. These centers, set up in collaboration with private partners like AFC India Ltd. and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), will offer free, three-month-long courses certified under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The curriculum includes hands-on training in Python, Java, cloud computing, and cybersecurity fundamentals, alongside soft skills like communication and problem-solving to enhance employability.
Officials from BSDM emphasized that the program prioritizes inclusivity, with special provisions for women and marginalized communities. A dedicated 35% reservation for women has been integrated into the enrollment process, aligning with the state’s “Aarakshit Rozgar, Mahilaon Ka Adhikar” scheme. Additionally, participants will receive stipends under the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya scheme, ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month, based on their educational qualifications, to support their training period.
The initiative also addresses the challenge of limited internet access in rural areas. To counter this, BSDM has partnered with the state’s Free Wi-Fi scheme to provide internet connectivity at training centers, ensuring seamless access to online learning resources. Industry experts from leading IT firms, including TCS and Infosys, will conduct guest sessions to mentor trainees and align their skills with market demands.
The program has already garnered significant interest, with over 5,000 applications received within the first week of its announcement. BSDM plans to scale up the initiative, aiming to train 50,000 rural youths by 2027. Job fairs, similar to the one held in Bagha in 2016 where 148 candidates secured employment, will be organized to connect trained individuals with IT companies. The mission also plans to collaborate with global tech giants to facilitate overseas placements for top performers.
Local leaders and educators have hailed the initiative as a game-changer for rural Bihar. “This program will not only create job opportunities but also inspire our youth to dream big and contribute to Bihar’s economic growth,” said Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Mission Director of BSDM. The state government has allocated ₹500 crore for the program, with additional funding expected from central schemes like Skill India Digital Hub.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from the Bihar Skill Development Mission’s official announcements, press releases, and related reports from credible sources like skillmissionbihar.org and news outlets. Data points are accurate as of June 16, 2025, and subject to change. Readers are advised to verify details through official BSDM channels for the latest updates.