Kohima, December 6, 2025: The inaugural programme of India Skills 2025, organised by the Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (DoESD&E), Nagaland under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), was held today at the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in Kohima.
The event marks Nagaland’s second time hosting the prestigious skill competition after a gap of seven years.
Joint Secretary, Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Phuleshe K. Yepthomi, formally declared the India Skills 2025 competition open in the presence of DoESD&E Director Savio Visa and other departmental officials. He also distributed uniforms and ID cards to all participants.
In his remarks, Yepthomi encouraged the youth to continue participating in future competitions, urging them to aspire toward national-level contests and higher skill excellence.
Joint Director, DoESD&E, Er. H. Alongse, praised the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship for funding the initiative, noting that such programmes play a vital role in discovering and nurturing youth talents across diverse trades.
NSDC Skill India State Officer, Parvin Yadav, urged participants to fully utilise the opportunity provided by the government, stressing the transformative potential of skill development.
Senior Lecturer of Fashion Technology, A. Chubamenla, highlighted the vast employment opportunities within the global fashion industry. She encouraged youth to upgrade their skills and learn modern techniques, including AI-assisted design and precision pattern-making.
Assistant Programme Officer Menguzelie, who chaired the event, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for supporting Nagaland in hosting the competition again. He noted that the State is conducting the second edition after seven years, reflecting renewed commitment to youth empowerment.
Trades and Institutes Involved
The 2025 edition of India Skills features competitions in three key categories:
• Graphic Design Technology
• Fashion Design Technology
• Restaurant Service
The trades are being hosted by:
• Fashion Technology Department, Government Polytechnic Kohima
• Government Industrial Training Institute (GITI), Kohima
• Graphic Design Technology Centre, NIELIT Kohima
• State Institute of Hotel Management
A total of 147 participants from various District ITIs, Polytechnic Institutes, and SIMS Dimapur took part in the competition. After successive rounds of evaluation, 26 participants advanced to the final stage.
India Skills is a biennial national-level vocational skill competition designed to showcase and celebrate the expertise of young people across the country. Winners from State-level events move on to regional and national competitions, and ultimately, some qualify to represent India in the WorldSkills International event.
The India Skills 2025 programme in Nagaland aims to inspire more youth to pursue technical training, embrace vocational excellence, and explore emerging career opportunities across various trades.
The competition rounds will continue in the coming days, culminating in the selection of Nagaland’s top young skill champions for 2025.
