Tamil Nadu Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam: Free Training for Youth

Introduction of Tamil Nadu Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam: A Brief Insight

Every year, thousands of young people in Tamil Nadu complete their degrees, diplomas or ITI courses but still struggle to find suitable jobs. One major reason is the gap between classroom education and the practical skills that industries expect from job seekers. The Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam aims to bridge this gap by providing industry-oriented skill training and helping unemployed youth move towards employment.

The Government of Tamil Nadu announced this initiative as the Vetri Skill Training Scheme in its Revised Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Dr. N. Marie Wilson on 5 August 2026. The scheme comes under the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department and is implemented by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), the State’s nodal agency for skill development.

The scheme focuses on making young people job-ready through industry-led training and employment support. During the year, the State plans to provide skill training to 12 lakh college students and 1 lakh unemployed youth. It has also planned paid internship opportunities for 20,000 youth in the first phase and allocated ₹150 crore for this initiative.

Under the programme, candidates receive more than 100 hours of training without paying any fee. TNSDC provides a Skill Voucher of up to ₹12,000 to the training partner towards the course cost. Eligible candidates from vulnerable groups can also receive a Skill Incentive of ₹6,000 or ₹12,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Candidates living more than 80 km from their training centre can receive boarding and lodging assistance, while eligible graduates and candidates with vocational education qualifications can receive a monthly stipend during their internship.

Unemployed residents of Tamil Nadu aged 18 to 35 years can apply for suitable courses. The scheme covers graduates, ITI and Diploma holders, as well as eligible school dropouts who have completed at least the 8th Standard. Applicants need an Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account. The government also gives priority to youth from families without permanent employment. College students pursuing Arts and Science, Engineering and Polytechnic courses can access the programme through their respective colleges.

Interested candidates can register through the TNSDC candidate portal or mobile application. They can select up to three courses but can undergo training in only one. During training, candidates must maintain at least 70% attendance to appear for the independent assessment. Those who successfully complete the assessment receive a TNSDC certificate and placement assistance through their training partners.

For assistance with registration, training or other scheme-related queries, candidates can contact the TNSDC helpline at 044-22500107 or email servicedesk@tnsdc.in.

College students can also explore the Vetri Free Laptop Scheme, while families living in kutcha huts can check the Vetri Veedu Thittam. Young people seeking work experience with companies can explore the Central Government’s PM Internship Scheme. Those interested in obtaining a nationally recognised skill certificate can also learn about the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

Students, job seekers, parents and other residents looking for education, employment, skill development and welfare initiatives can explore the complete list of programmes on our Tamil Nadu Government Welfare Schemes List page.

Latest Update on Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam

The Tamil Nadu Government and TNSDC have announced several developments regarding the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam for 2026-27. The important announcements and current scheme updates are given below.

• 5 August 2026: The Tamil Nadu Government announced the Vetri Skill Training Scheme in its Revised Budget for 2026-27. It allocated ₹150 crore and set targets to provide skill training to 12 lakh college students and 1 lakh unemployed youth. The government also announced paid internship opportunities for 20,000 youth in the first phase.
• 30 September 2026: TNSDC invited eligible training providers to participate in the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam for the 2026-27 period. The last date for training providers to submit their applications was fixed as 29 November 2026. This deadline applies to training providers, not candidates seeking skill training.
• 14 to 29 October 2026: TNSDC invited companies, training providers and assessment partners to participate in skill training programmes for college students pursuing Arts and Science, Engineering and Polytechnic courses during the even semester of 2026-27.
• Candidate Portal and Mobile App: The candidate portal and mobile application provide access to available courses across different sectors. Candidates can also find options related to training status and placement.
• Skill Voucher and Skill Incentive: TNSDC lists a Skill Voucher of up to ₹12,000 for training partners. Eligible candidates from vulnerable groups can receive a Skill Incentive of ₹6,000 or ₹12,000, depending on the duration of their selected course.
• Internship Stipend: The Revised Budget announced monthly stipend support for eligible interns. TNSDC is expected to provide further details about the stipend amount and applicable conditions.
• Prepare for Registration: Interested candidates should keep their Aadhaar Card, Aadhaar-linked bank account details, educational certificates and other required documents ready. They should regularly check the candidate portal for course availability and registration instructions in their district.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam helps unemployed youth in Tamil Nadu acquire practical skills that match industry requirements and improve their employment prospects. The scheme combines free skill training with financial assistance, certification, internship opportunities and placement support.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam supports unemployed youth in Tamil Nadu who want to develop job-oriented skills through industry-linked training. Applicants must meet the basic conditions related to age, residence, education and registration. Additional eligibility rules apply to candidates seeking skill incentives, boarding and lodging assistance or internship benefits.

Basic Eligibility Conditions

• Must be a resident of Tamil Nadu and possess valid residence proof.
• Must be unemployed and seeking skill training to improve employment opportunities.
• Must be between 18 and 35 years of age, subject to any course-specific age requirements prescribed by TNSDC.
• Graduates, ITI and Diploma holders, and eligible school dropouts can apply for suitable training courses.
• Must have passed at least the 8th Standard. Certain courses may require higher educational qualifications.
• Must possess an Aadhaar Card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
• Must register through the TNSDC portal, either independently or with assistance from the concerned local department or Assistant Director’s office.
• Can register for up to three courses, but can enrol in and undergo training for only one course.
• Must maintain at least 70% attendance to appear for the assessment and receive the TNSDC training certificate.
• No fee is charged for registration, training, assessment, certification or placement services under the scheme.

Eligibility Conditions for Skill Incentives

• Skill incentives are available to eligible candidates belonging to the vulnerable groups identified under the scheme.
• The candidate or an eligible family member must be covered under at least one of the recognised welfare categories or schemes, such as old-age pension, disability pension, widow pension, destitute widow pension, deserted wife pension, unmarried women pension, or PHH/AAY ration card.
• Beneficiaries associated with MGNREGA, CMCHIS, the Unorganised Labour Welfare Board, Transgender Welfare Board, Self Help Groups, fishing ban period assistance and the Unemployment Assistance Scheme are also covered.
• Students receiving scholarships through the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, BC, MBC or Minorities Welfare Departments are included.
• Beneficiaries of Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, Puthumai Penn, Tamil Puthalvan, handloom weavers’ pension, free milch cow or goat distribution schemes, and Sri Lankan refugees are also covered.
• Individuals listed in the Tamil Nadu Integrated Poverty Portal (TIPPS) or the Urban and Rural Poverty Identification Programme (PIP) records are also included.

Eligibility for Boarding, Lodging and Internship Benefits

• Candidates residing more than 80 km from the training centre are eligible for boarding and lodging assistance, subject to the scheme conditions.
• Candidates receiving the skill incentive are not eligible for separate boarding and lodging assistance.
• Graduates and candidates with vocational education qualifications are eligible for a monthly stipend during their internship.
• Youth belonging to families without permanent employment receive priority under the scheme.
• Students pursuing Arts and Science, Engineering or Polytechnic courses can access the scheme through their respective colleges.

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants must keep certain documents ready to register for the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam and access its training-related benefits. The requirements may differ depending on whether the applicant is claiming a skill incentive, boarding and lodging assistance, or post-training internship and placement benefits. Keep clear and readable copies of the relevant documents ready, and refer to the candidate portal for the final document requirements during application.

Documents Required for Registration and Training

• Aadhaar Card
• Aadhaar-linked bank account details (bank passbook or cancelled cheque)
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• Age proof, such as a birth certificate, school certificate or other valid document confirming the applicant’s age between 18 and 35 years
• Tamil Nadu residence proof, such as a Ration Card, smart card, voter ID or other valid address proof
• Educational qualification certificate and marksheet (8th Standard, SSLC, HSC, ITI, Diploma or Degree)
• Transfer Certificate or 8th Standard marksheet, in the case of school dropouts
• Community Certificate, wherever applicable
• Recent passport-size photograph

Documents Required to Claim Skill Incentives (Vulnerable Groups)

Applicants claiming the skill incentive available to eligible vulnerable groups must provide the relevant certificate, card or beneficiary proof. Depending on the applicant’s category, the following documents may be required:

• Family ration card showing PHH or AAY category
• Pension card or pension order for beneficiaries of old-age, disability, widow, destitute widow, deserted wife or unmarried women pensions
• Disability Certificate or UDID Card for persons with disabilities
• MGNREGA Job Card
• Unorganised Labour Welfare Board Membership Card
• Transgender Welfare Board Membership Card
• Self Help Group (SHG) membership proof
• Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) card
• Proof of beneficiary status under Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam
• Proof of receiving fishing ban period assistance
• Scholarship proof issued under Adi Dravidar, Tribal, BC, MBC or Minorities Welfare schemes
• Handloom Weavers Pension proof
• Sri Lankan Refugee Registration proof
• Beneficiary proof under the Puthumai Penn or Tamil Puthalvan Scheme
• Proof of receiving benefits under the Free Milch Cow or Goat Distribution Scheme
• Unemployment Assistance Scheme beneficiary proof
• Tamil Nadu Integrated Poverty Portal (TIPPS) record or Urban/Rural PIP record

Documents Required for Boarding and Lodging Assistance

• Valid address proof establishing that the applicant’s residence is more than 80 km from the training centre

Documents Required for Internship and Placement Benefits

Applicants seeking internship or placement-related benefits after completing their training may need to submit the following documents, depending on the benefit claimed:

• Degree Certificate or vocational education certificate (for claiming the monthly internship stipend)
• Training Completion Certificate issued by TNSDC
• Assessment Result
• Internship Certificate
• Employer’s offer letter, appointment order or joining letter
• First month’s salary slip
• Bank statement showing the salary credit

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

You can apply for the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam online through the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) candidate portal or its mobile app. If you are unable to register yourself, you can also take help from your local Government department or the Assistant Director (AD) office.

The application process is simple. Keep your Aadhaar card, bank details and educational documents ready before you start. Then follow the steps given below to register and choose your preferred training course.

Before You Start

Step 1: First, check whether you meet the basic eligibility conditions. You must be a resident of Tamil Nadu, unemployed and between 18 and 35 years of age, subject to the age limit prescribed for your selected course.

Step 2: Keep your Aadhaar card and the mobile number linked with it ready. You may need your mobile number to receive an OTP during registration.

Step 3: Keep your bank account details handy. Make sure your bank account is linked with Aadhaar so that you can receive eligible financial assistance.

Step 4: Collect your educational certificates, marksheets, age proof and Tamil Nadu residence proof. Scan these documents clearly and save them on your mobile phone or computer for uploading.

Step 5: Before filling out the application, read the scheme details on the official Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam page. You can also visit the TNSDC Frequently Asked Questions page to understand the scheme and clear any doubts.

Apply Online on the Candidate Portal

Step 1: Open the official TNSDC candidate portal using your mobile phone or computer.

Step 2: On the home page, look for the Department / Candidate Login option at the top and click on it.

Step 3: If you are using the portal for the first time, select the option to register as a new candidate. Existing users can log in using their account details.

Step 4: Enter the information asked on the registration form, such as your name, Aadhaar number, educational qualification and district. Fill in every detail carefully.

Step 5: If the portal sends an OTP to your registered mobile number, enter that OTP in the given box to complete the verification process.

Step 6: Upload the required documents. Make sure that every document is clear, readable and uploaded in the format accepted by the portal.

Step 7: Save your registration details. Once your account is created, log in using your registered username and password.

Step 8: After logging in, open the Courses section. Here, you can explore the available skill training courses under different sectors, such as electronics, retail, healthcare and green energy.

Step 9: Check which courses are available in your district or in a nearby district. Also, look at the training centre’s location before choosing a course.

Step 10: You can select up to three courses according to your interests and qualifications. Read the course details before making your selection.

Step 11: Submit your application for the selected courses. Remember that you can undergo training in only one course, even if you register for three.

Step 12: Check the available training partners and their details. This will help you understand which organisations provide the training and offer placement assistance after course completion.

Apply Through the Mobile App

If you prefer using a mobile phone, you can also apply through the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam mobile application. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam app on Google Play using your Android phone.

Step 2: Tap the Install button and wait for the application to download and install on your phone.

Step 3: Open the app after installation. Select your preferred language, English or Tamil, to continue.

Step 4: If the app asks for location permission, allow access so that it can identify your location and show the available training courses nearby.

Step 5: Open Department / Candidate Login and complete the registration process using your Aadhaar and mobile details.

Step 6: Enter your educational qualification and address details. Upload the required documents when the app asks you to do so.

Step 7: After completing your profile, open the Courses section. You will find different skill training sectors available under the scheme.

Step 8: Select a suitable course after checking its training centre location and other details. Tap the Apply option to submit your application.

Step 9: You can use the Training Status option to check the progress of your application and training details.

Step 10: Open the Placement section to check the available job opportunities after completing your training.

Register Through a Department or an AD Office

If you do not have a computer or face difficulty while applying online, you can visit your local Government department or the office of the Assistant Director of Skill Development. Ask the concerned officer to help you complete your registration.

Step 1: Visit your nearest concerned Government department or the office of the Assistant Director of Skill Development.

Step 2: Carry your Aadhaar card, educational marksheets, residence proof and bank passbook. These documents will help the officer enter your details correctly.

Step 3: Ask the officer to register you on the TNSDC portal. If you are registering as part of a group, the officer can also guide you through the group registration process.

Step 4: Once the registration is complete, check the printed details carefully. Make sure your name, Aadhaar number and selected course are correct before proceeding.

College Students

Students studying in Arts and Science, Engineering or Polytechnic colleges can also access skill training through their respective institutions. They should contact their college to understand the courses available under the programme.

Step 1: Visit your college office or contact the concerned faculty member to ask about the skill training programme available during your semester.

Step 2: Choose the course offered by your college and complete the registration process as instructed. Attend the training sessions conducted through your institution.

After You Register

Completing the online application does not mean that your training is finished. You must attend the classes, complete the assessment and follow the training partner’s instructions. Here is what you need to do after registration:

Step 1: Visit the assigned training centre on the date and time communicated to you. Attend the orientation and follow the trainer’s instructions.

Step 2: Mark your attendance every day using the biometric attendance system. The scheme uses Aadhaar-based attendance to record your participation in training.

Step 3: Maintain at least 70% attendance to become eligible to appear for the assessment, as prescribed under the scheme.

Step 4: After completing the training, appear for the assessment. It may include three parts: theory, practical examination and viva.

Step 5: If you do not pass the first assessment, check with your training partner about the re-assessment facility. You can take the re-assessment within 30 days, as per the scheme rules.

Step 6: After successfully completing the assessment, collect your training certificate issued by TNSDC in association with the training partner.

Step 7: Attend the placement drive organised by your training partner. If you receive a job offer, collect the offer letter and complete the joining formalities with the employer.

Step 8: If you belong to an eligible vulnerable group, check your Aadhaar-linked bank account for the skill incentive. The amount is transferred through DBT according to the applicable attendance and eligibility conditions.

Step 9: If you qualify for boarding and lodging assistance because your residence is more than 80 km from the training centre, contact your training partner or the concerned authority to understand the payment procedure.

Important: The Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam provides training free of cost to eligible candidates. You do not have to pay anyone for registration, a training seat, assessment, certification or placement. Avoid paying money to anyone who promises to arrange admission or a job under the scheme.

For assistance, you can contact the TNSDC helpline at 044-22500107, between 10 AM and 6 PM.

Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam: The Three Parts of the Scheme

The Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam covers three major areas of skill development: training for unemployed youth, skill training for college students and paid internship opportunities. Each part targets a different group of beneficiaries and follows a separate participation process. The table below explains who can benefit from each part and how to join.

Each part has its own eligibility requirements and participation process. Therefore, candidates should check the relevant TNSDC instructions before applying. Do not assume that registration for one part automatically enrols you in the other parts.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam Official Website: Scheme Details and Guidelines
• Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam Candidate Portal: Online Registration and Course Application
• Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam Mobile App: Download from Google Play
• TNSDC FAQs: Skill Voucher, Skill Incentive and Training-Related Questions
• Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC): Official Website
• TNSDC Expression of Interest (EOI) 2026-27: Training Provider Information
• TN Skills Portal: Skill Development and Training Opportunities
• Naan Mudhalvan Official Website: Tamil Nadu Skill Development Programme

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Applicants who face any difficulty while registering for the Vettri Thiran Payirchi Thittam, selecting a training course or accessing scheme-related services can contact the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC). They can also approach the concerned district-level office or their assigned training partner for assistance.

• TNSDC Office Address: Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, 8th Floor, CMRL Building, METROS, No. 327, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai – 600035.
• Helpline Number: 044-22500107 (Available from 10 AM to 6 PM).
• Email Address: servicedesk@tnsdc.in
• District-Level Assistance: Visit the office of the Assistant Director of Skill Development in your district or contact the concerned local Government department for help with candidate registration.
• Training-Related Assistance: Contact your assigned training partner for queries about attendance, training schedules, assessments, certification and placement support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.