India’s largest-ever contingent of 70 skilled young competitors has been flagged off for the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition, where Team India will compete across 63 skill categories.
The send-off ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition is scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27. Indian competitors will showcase their expertise in technical excellence, creativity, precision, innovation and craftsmanship on the global stage.
Addressing the contingent, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, said Team India represents a confident, creative and digitally agile generation ready to compete with the world’s best.
He said India’s participation in new-age skills reflects the growing strength of the country’s skilling ecosystem.
The Minister said the government is taking skilling to scale through skill competitions, Kaushal Mahotsavs and stronger partnerships with States and industry. He also expressed the aspiration that India should host global skill competitions in the future.
India to debut in 11 emerging skill categories
For the first time, India will compete in 11 new and emerging skill categories at the WorldSkills Competition.
These include Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Aircraft Maintenance.
The Ministry said the expanded participation demonstrates the growing depth of India’s skilling ecosystem, which is moving beyond conventional trades towards advanced technologies, specialised services and next-generation industrial capabilities.
Team India’s preparation has been supported by State Governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutions, industry partners, experts and mentors. Competitors have undergone specialised training using advanced facilities, equipment, simulations, technical expertise and international exposure.
WorldSkills India Champions Club launched
The ceremony also saw the announcement of the first cohort of 16 members of the WorldSkills India Champions Club.
The club will bring together former competitors and medallists who will serve as ambassadors of India’s skills movement. They will mentor aspiring competitors, share their experiences and encourage young people to pursue vocational skills with confidence and excellence.
WorldSkills is a leading global platform for recognising excellence in vocational skills. The Shanghai edition is expected to bring together more than 1,400 young competitors from over 60 countries and regions, competing across 64 skill competitions.
India’s performance showing steady improvement
India has made significant progress at international skills competitions in recent years.
The country improved its position from 29th in 2015 to 13th at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, where it won four Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence.
India also secured the eighth position in Asia at WorldSkills Asia 2025.
As the 70-member contingent heads to Shanghai, Team India will represent India’s growing capabilities in skills, technology, innovation and craftsmanship, with the support of trainers, mentors, industry partners, institutions and families.
