MSDE Notifies Sixth Amendment to Common Norms 2026: Base Training Costs Revised, Special Areas to Receive 10% Additional Support
New Delhi, February 28, 2026: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has issued a landmark notification introducing the Common Norms for Skill Development Schemes Sixth Amendment, 2026, bringing significant revisions to base training costs across categories and enhanced incentives for Special Areas.
The notification, published in the The Gazette of India on February 26, 2026, amends the Common Norms originally notified on July 15, 2015, and subsequently revised multiple times.
Key Highlights of the Sixth Amendment, 2026
1️⃣ Increase in Base Training Costs Across Categories
The government has revised the per-hour base cost for skill training job roles across Category I, II, and III sectors with immediate effect.
|
Category
|
Increase (%)
|
Revised Base Cost (Per Hour)
|
|
Category I
|
+15%
|
₹56.35
|
|
Category II
|
+25%
|
₹52.50
|
|
Category III
|
+5%
|
₹36.85
|
These revised rates apply to trades/sectors listed under Schedule-II of Annexure-I.
This move is expected to:
- Improve training quality standards
- Offset rising operational and compliance costs
- Strengthen viability for Training Providers (TPs)
- Enhance industry-aligned skill delivery
2️⃣ Provisional Applicability up to NSQF Level 3.5
The notification introduces new sub-clauses clarifying that:
- The revised per-hour training rates will apply provisionally across sectors.
- These rates will apply specifically to job roles up to NSQF Level 3.5 after re-categorization.
- A separate methodology for determining base costs for job roles above NSQF Level 3.5 will be finalized later.
This provides interim clarity for schemes aligned with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) ecosystem and other implementing agencies.
3️⃣ 10% Additional Cost for Special Areas
The amendment strengthens regional inclusion by allowing an additional 10% of the base cost for skill development programmes conducted in designated “Special Areas”.
These include:
- North Eastern States
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Ladakh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs
This provision aims to address higher logistical costs, geographical challenges, and socio-economic vulnerabilities in these regions.
Sector-Wide Impact Analysis
✔ For Training Providers (TPs)
- Improved financial sustainability
- Better trainer compensation structures
- Enhanced infrastructure and equipment investment
✔ For State Skill Missions
- Stronger implementation support in difficult terrains
- Increased participation in remote and aspirational districts
✔ For Learners
- Improved training quality
- Better access in underserved regions
- Strengthened employability outcomes
Policy Context
The Sixth Amendment aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening skill ecosystems under national flagship programmes. By rationalizing cost norms, the government seeks to maintain quality benchmarks while ensuring financial feasibility for large-scale implementation.
The decision reflects responsiveness to stakeholder feedback regarding inflationary pressures, compliance requirements, and the need for quality enhancement in vocational education and training (VET).
Strategic Implications for the Skill Ecosystem
- Training budgets under ongoing and upcoming tenders may be recalibrated.
- Project proposals and DPRs will need to reflect revised cost structures.
- Skill Implementing Agencies must update financial planning models.
- Special Area projects gain stronger financial viability.
Conclusion
The Common Norms Sixth Amendment, 2026 marks a significant step in strengthening India’s skill development framework. By revising base training costs and extending targeted support to Special Areas, the government has signaled its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality skill delivery.
Skill training providers, State Skill Development Missions, and project implementing agencies are advised to immediately align their financial and operational frameworks with the revised norms.
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