What is STEP Women Training?
Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP), launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a key Government of India scheme that empowers women aged 16 years and above by providing skill training in employment-relevant sectors as well as entrepreneurship development training. The scheme is implemented through Public Sector Organisations, District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs), Federations, Cooperatives, and registered Voluntary Organisations (NGOs). STEP covers skill training in sectors such as Agriculture & Horticulture, Food Processing, Handlooms & Handicrafts, Tailoring, Stitching, Embroidery, Zari work, Computer & IT-enabled services, Gems & Jewellery, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, and Spoken English — combining technical skills with soft skills, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurship know-how. Project grants of up to ₹2 crore per project per year are given to approved organisations to train 50–500 women each. The aim is to make women economically independent through wage employment or self-employment.
STEP Women Training — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | STEP Scheme 2026 — Support to Training & Employment Programme for Women |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1986 |
| Benefit | Free skill training + entrepreneurship development for women aged 16+ via approved NGOs/PSUs |
| Category | Women |
| Last Verified | 23 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://wcd.nic.in |
Benefits of STEP Women Training
Free skill training + entrepreneurship development for women aged 16+ via approved NGOs/PSUs
Who is Eligible for STEP Women Training?
- ✓Women aged 16 years and above (no upper age limit)
- ✓Indian citizens — open to all states/UTs and all categories (general/SC/ST/OBC/minority/disability)
- ✓Special focus on women from marginalised communities (SC/ST/OBC/minority/disabled/BPL)
- ✓No income criteria for trainees — open to all economic backgrounds
- ✓Training implementing organisations: Public Sector Units, DRDAs, Cooperatives, NGOs registered under Societies Act/Trust Act
- ✓Implementing NGOs must have NGO Darpan ID and minimum 3 years experience in women's training
Documents Required for STEP Women Training
How to Apply for STEP Women Training Online?
- 1Identify a STEP-approved training organisation in your area — check list at wcd.nic.in → 'STEP Scheme' → 'Approved Organisations'
- 2Visit the implementing organisation (DRDA office / PSU training centre / approved NGO) with Aadhaar and basic documents
- 3Complete the registration form — select sector of interest (tailoring, food processing, computer, etc.)
- 4Undergo aptitude/interview process — selection based on motivation and minimum qualification (varies by sector)
- 5Attend the training programme — typically 6 months to 1 year duration (sector-dependent)
- 6Training includes: technical skills + soft skills + workplace readiness + entrepreneurship/financial literacy
- 7Receive monthly stipend during training (varies by implementing agency — typically ₹500–₹2,000/month for travel/material)
- 8On completion, get sector-specific certification + placement assistance (linked employers for wage employment, or seed funding for self-employment)
- 9For aspiring women entrepreneurs: training includes business plan development + assistance to access PMEGP/Stand-Up India/Mudra loans for self-employment
Official Government Portal
Use wcd.nic.in directly — there is no application fee, and no third party can speed up your approval.
🔗Apply on wcd.nic.in