About this student scheme
Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn & Earn) is a skill development scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs specifically for youth from 6 notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians/Parsis, and Jains). Launched in 2013-14 and revised with enhanced features in 2022-23, the scheme provides: free market-oriented skill training (3-12 months duration) in modern trades (IT, hospitality, healthcare, construction, beauty & wellness, etc.) AND traditional/heritage crafts (chikankari, zardozi, rogan art, bidriware, etc.). Each trained youth receives ₹3,000/month stipend during training (DBT) + 75% mandatory placement (employers/self-employment). Training is conducted through empanelled Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) — industry partners, NGOs, training institutes. Selection: Candidates selected on merit (AAY/BPL preference) from minority community.
Scholarship snapshot
| Scheme Name | Seekho Aur Kamao 2026 — Free Skill Training for Minorities: 75% Placement with ₹3,000 Stipend |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Benefit | Free skill training 3-12 months + Stipend ₹3,000/month during training (DBT) + 75% placement commitment by training agency + Post-placement tracking for 6 months + Traditional craft skill up-gradation |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 5 September 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/seekho-aur-kamao |
What students receive
Free skill training 3-12 months + Stipend ₹3,000/month during training (DBT) + 75% placement commitment by training agency + Post-placement tracking for 6 months + Traditional craft skill up-gradation
Which students qualify
- ✓Must belong to one of 6 notified minority communities: Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Zoroastrian (Parsi), or Jain
- ✓Age 14-45 years
- ✓Minimum education: Class 5 (for traditional trades), Class 8-10 (for modern market trades)
- ✓Preference: BPL/AAY families, women, Persons with Disabilities
- ✓No income bar — all minority community members eligible (BPL preferred)
Papers for the application
Applying online, step-by-step
- 1Check for empanelled Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) in your district via Ministry of Minority Affairs portal
- 2Contact PIA directly or register through the ministry's scheme portal
- 3Submit minority community certificate + Aadhaar + age proof
- 4Selection is merit-based (BPL priority) — shortlisted candidates called for interview
- 5Training begins at PIA-run centre OR traditional craft cluster (for heritage skills)
- 6₹3,000/month stipend credited monthly via DBT to Aadhaar-linked account
- 7On completion: assessment + placement assistance (75% placement within 3 months)
Official Government Portal
The single official window for this scheme is www.minorityaffairs.gov.in. Filing is free, so steer clear of touts promising guaranteed selection.
🔗Apply on www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/seekho-aur-kamao