Gauhati University hosts IndiaSkills North East Regional Competition 2025–26

Guwahati, January 19, 2026: The North East Regional Competition of IndiaSkills 2025–26 was inaugurated today at Gauhati University by Jayant Chaudhary,  Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, in the presence of senior officials, academic leaders, and youth participants from across the North Eastern Region.

Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, the competition is being held from 19 to 22 January 2026, marking the first-ever IndiaSkills Regional Competition dedicated exclusively to the North Eastern Region, highlighting the government's special focus on the NE region.

Addressing the gathering, Jayant Chaudhary said, “With youth from all eight North-Eastern states competing across multiple industry-aligned skill domains, the event reflects the growing depth of talent, discipline, and aspiration emerging from the region—strengthening India’s journey towards a future-ready workforce.”

Highlighting the government's role, he added, "initiatives must follow a bottom-up approach, with youth emerging as the new leaders of growth. The government is making sustained efforts to prepare young people for the future, and today marks a significant milestone with the North East’s first-ever skill competition—an aspirational programme for the region.”

Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, expressed pride in hosting the landmark event. “Gauhati University is proud to host the first exclusive IndiaSkills Regional Competition for the North East, reinforcing our role in nurturing skilled, confident, and industry-ready youth" - Prof. Mahanta remarked.

The inaugural programme featured a welcome address by Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, followed by an address by Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam. The ceremony also included a cultural performance showcasing the rich traditions of the North East and a march past by IndiaSkills competitors.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Pritam Dutta, Director, IIE. The event was attended by Dr. M. S. Lakshmi Priya, IAS (Mission Director, Assam Skill Development Mission), Hanif Noorani, ACS (Additional Secretary to the Government of Assam, Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department), and Prof. Utpal Sarma (Registrar), Gauhati University.

Students and youth from all eight North-Eastern states are competing across 26 skill categories, spanning a wide range of sectors from agro-forestry to advanced hard and soft skills. Winners from the North East Regional Competition will advance to the national stage of IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26, contributing to India’s growing pipeline of skilled talent for global opportunities.