MSME-006
Identification
| Scheme Name | Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme |
|---|---|
| Acronym | ESDP |
| Ministry / Department | Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India |
| Implementing Agency | Networked Central Institutions under the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), managed through MSME Development and Facilitation Offices (MSME-DFOs), MSME Technology Centres (TCs), Tool Rooms, and vetted government partner institutions. |
| Level | Central |
| Status | Active |
Classification
| Category | Skill & Training |
|---|---|
| Sector | Both |
| Enterprise Size | Micro, Small |
Purpose & Benefit
| Objective | To inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset among youth and build the management and operational capacities of existing small firms by providing structured technical, trade-specific, and vocational skill-development training. |
|---|---|
| Benefit Type | Grant |
| Benefit Quantum | 100% Fully Funded Training: Free technical and business courses for all candidates from weaker socio-economic brackets. For general category candidates, only a minimal nominal course fee applies (ranging between ₹100 to ₹500 depending on the exact training institute). |
| Key Terms | Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A foundational, fast-tracked introductory session lasting up to two days to spark entrepreneurial motivation among local youth. Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programme (E-SDP): An intensive 6-week technical, product-and-process-driven vocational blueprint providing hands-on trade training. Management Development Programme (MDP): A tailored 1-week curriculum focusing on core managerial concepts like financial cash flow, digital marketing, inventory handling, and labor laws for existing micro-business owners. |
Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria | Aspiring first-generation entrepreneurs, unemployed youth, rural artisans, or workers seeking operational upskilling. The absolute minimum age parameter for general participants is 18 years. Special demographics like women, SC/ST, Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, ex-servicemen, and differently-abled individuals receive priority processing. |
|---|---|
| Udyam Required? | Preferred but not mandatory |
| Documents Required | 1. National Identity proof (Aadhaar Card is mandatory for automated biometric attendance tracking). 2. Proof of educational qualification (varies dynamically depending on the selected technical module). 3. Valid Category Certificate (for SC/ST, BPL, or PwD categories to claim training exemptions and stipends). 4. Passport-sized photographs. |
| Exclusions | Who are Excluded: Standalone corporate conglomerates, large-scale enterprises, or applicants below 18 years of age (except for special drop-out training relaxations explicitly authorized by the regional DFO director). |
How to Apply
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | https://www.dcmsme.gov.in/ |
| Application Process | Step 1: Visit the official Development Commissioner (MSME) website or your regional MSME-DFO notification dashboard to view active batch calendars. Step 2: Complete the online registration form specifying your desired trade path (e.g., Agro-processing, IT, Electronics) and your regional territory. Step 3: Upload a copy of your Aadhaar card and relevant qualification or category documents to validate stipend eligibility, then click submit. Step 4: Applications are filtered by a regional selection committee which assesses suitability, background, and alignment with local industrial demands. Step 5: Selected candidates are formally notified to join the upcoming training cohort at the designated MSME Tool Room or partner technical center. |
Reference & Verification
| Official Source URL | https://msme.gov.in/ |
|---|---|
| Verified On | 2026-05-27 |