Bhubaneswar: The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the Eastern region concluded today at the SDI Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, celebrating the technical talent and dedication of over 200 young participants from Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organised under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the four-day event saw participants compete across 59 skill categories, including 37 showcased onsite and 22 assessed through innovative formats, all aligned with national and global standards.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said, “The IndiaSkills Regional Competition reflects the rising aspirations and capabilities of our youth. What we have witnessed here is not just competition, but a culture of excellence aligned with global standards. Platforms like this deepen collaboration between states, industry, and institutions, ensuring that talent from every district finds opportunity.”
Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, added, “True development goes beyond physical or economic growth; it is rooted in skills. Odisha has set a strong example by presenting a clear roadmap towards achieving a Viksit Odisha. Initiatives like Skill India provide youth platforms to showcase their skills globally, including at the WorldSkills Competition.”
Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of State for Higher Education; Youth & Sports; and Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Government of Odisha, said, “Skilling has become a national movement. Today, the achievements of the winners reflect dedication, discipline, and excellence. Skilling is a continuous journey demanding adaptability and lifelong learning.”
At the closing ceremony, 132 outstanding performers were awarded medals: 53 Gold, 48 Silver, 31 Bronze, and 37 Medallions for Excellence. Skills demonstrated ranged from cloud computing, electronics, CNC machining, mobile app development, and web technologies to hospitality, beauty therapy, floristry, fashion technology, and welding. Odisha led the medal tally, followed by Bihar and West Bengal, reflecting the growing ecosystem of vocational training and professional excellence in Eastern India.
The winners now progress in the IndiaSkills ecosystem, with opportunities to represent India at WorldSkills and other international platforms. The event underscored the region’s expanding skill development initiatives, systematically identifying, nurturing, and benchmarking talent against national and international standards.
Cultural performances and an audio-visual showcase added energy and vibrancy to the closing ceremony, highlighting participants’ journeys, the challenges they overcame, and their achievements.
The event concluded on a note of pride, optimism, and inspiration, reinforcing that skill is not just a career pathway but a force for empowerment, confidence, and national progress. Eastern India’s youth have demonstrated that dedication, creativity, and technical excellence can pave the way for a Viksit Bharat driven by skilled talent.
