Karnataka’s first skill policy proposes AI and digital tools for training and career guidance

Karnataka unveiled its first Skill Development Policy 2025-2032, aiming to position the state as a premier hub for skilled talent and drive its vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2032.

Approved at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the policy leverages digital technologies and AI-driven tools for training, assessment, and career guidance through a unified digital portal. It also stresses international workforce mobility by facilitating global certifications, migration support, and specialised training.

Although the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL) was established in 2017 to coordinate skilling initiatives, Karnataka had no formal skill development policy until now. A key highlight of the policy is the integration of vocational education into schools, colleges, and universities through credit-based programmes.

The policy proposes strong industry collaboration through apprenticeships, industry-led training, and ITI adoption. It focuses on lifelong learning, reskilling, and upskilling to match rapid technological and industrial changes. Special interventions have been planned for women, persons with disabilities, marginalised communities, the urban poor, and the informal workforce.

Infrastructure upgrades are also a priority, including modernization of ITIs, expansion of Government Training and Testing Centres (GTTCs), and setting up rural and urban skilling hubs. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework has been proposed, with 5 percent of scheme budgets earmarked for M&E.

CMKKY 2.0 is positioned as an umbrella scheme to unify all state skilling programmes, such as Kalike Jothege Kaushalya, Nanna Vrutti Nanna Ayke, ILC, IMC-K, RPL, and special projects, under a life-cycle approach to skilling.

Dr Sharanprakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, said the absence of a policy framework had previously led to fragmented skilling efforts across departments. “With growing demand for a skilled workforce to meet state, national, and global needs, there was an urgent requirement to streamline and integrate initiatives under a common vision. The Karnataka Skill Development Policy 2025–2032 addresses this gap by aligning skilling with education, employment, and industry requirements, while ensuring inclusivity, equity, and future readiness,” he said.