DGT–Bajaj Auto Partnership to Train 1,000 Youth in Advanced Manufacturing

India’s manufacturing sector is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth, with the government targeting a major expansion in domestic manufacturing capacity.

In a major push to strengthen industry-led skill development in India, the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed a Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) with Bajaj Auto Ltd., one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers. The agreement, signed under the revised Flexi-MoU Scheme (June 2024), marks a significant step toward integrating real manufacturing environments with formal skill training.

The partnership positions Bajaj Auto as an Industry Training Partner (ITP), enabling the company to deliver National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned training programmes at its manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. In the first year alone, the company plans to train 1,000 youth through structured programmes combining classroom learning with intensive hands-on training on modern production systems.

Industry-Led Training to Bridge Skill Gaps

India’s manufacturing sector is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth, with the government targeting a major expansion in domestic manufacturing capacity. However, bridging the gap between formal training and industry requirements has remained a challenge. The new collaboration seeks to address this gap by placing trainees directly in live production environments where they can learn advanced manufacturing processes and technologies.

Training programmes under the partnership will run for up to 24 months and will include a mix of classroom instruction and practical shopfloor exposure. Trainees will gain experience with advanced automotive manufacturing systems, production dojos, quality control processes, plant maintenance technologies, mechatronics, welding technologies, assembly operations and logistics management.

This industry-integrated training model is designed to ensure that trainees graduate with practical, job-ready skills aligned with modern industrial standards.

Government Emphasises Industry–Academia Integration

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of stronger industry participation in India’s skill ecosystem.

He said that partnerships like this demonstrate how India’s skilling framework is evolving to align closely with industry needs.

“When training takes place in real production environments and uses modern technologies, it enables young people to gain practical experience and become truly job-ready. Such collaborations are critical for building a strong pipeline of skilled talent and will play an important role as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.

Senior Officials Highlight Demand-Driven Skilling

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and DGT, including Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, and Shri Dilip Kumar, Director General, Directorate General of Training. Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director General, DGT, also participated in the event and emphasised the importance of deeper industry partnerships to make skill development programmes more demand-driven.

Other officials present included Shri Pranav Choudhary, Director (Curriculum Development), and Shri Hemant D. Ganjare, Director (CFI), along with other representatives from the Directorate General of Training.

From Bajaj Auto Ltd., Shri Ravi Kyran Ramasamy, Chief Human Resources Officer, attended the ceremony along with other company representatives, reaffirming the company’s commitment to expanding industry-integrated training opportunities.

Flexi-MoU Scheme: A New Model for Industry Training

The Flexi-MoU Scheme, implemented by DGT under MSDE, allows industries to design customised training programmes aligned with emerging technologies and sector-specific workforce requirements while maintaining alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework.

Under the scheme, companies must maintain a minimum annual training capacity of 100 trainees and ensure strong industry participation in both practical and formative assessments. Theoretical examinations are conducted centrally by DGT through Computer-Based Tests (CBT).

Candidates who successfully complete the training receive a National Trade Certificate (NTC), which enhances their employability and enables them to pursue apprenticeship opportunities in the industry.

Strong CSR Commitment to Skill Development

Bajaj Auto has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to skill development initiatives across India. Nearly 70–80 percent of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure is directed towards skill development programmes.

Through initiatives such as Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST), Bajaj Manufacturing Systems (BMS), and Bajaj STEP (Service Technician Excellence Program), the company already supports skill development for more than 90,000 students annually.

Under the Flexi-MoU guidelines, industry partners are also required to ensure placement of at least 50 percent of successful trainees, while CSR funds may be utilised to support training infrastructure, stipends and programme costs.

Building a Future-Ready Manufacturing Workforce

The agreement between DGT and Bajaj Auto will remain valid for ten years and may be extended based on performance indicators such as enrolment levels, learning outcomes and placement records.

Officials say the partnership represents a significant step toward building a sustainable pipeline of skilled technicians for India’s rapidly expanding automotive and manufacturing sectors. By combining structured skill training with real production experience, the initiative is expected to improve employability outcomes while strengthening supplier ecosystems and industrial workforce capabilities.

The collaboration aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a global hub for skilled manufacturing talent while supporting the national vision of a skilled, self-reliant and globally competitive economy.