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India marked its first-ever participation at the WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025 by securing an impressive 8th rank among 29 participating countries. The Indian contingent won one Silver medal, two Bronze medals, and three Medallions for Excellence, highlighting India’s growing strength in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

What is WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC)?

The WorldSkills Asia Competition is a premier continental skill competition conducted under the global WorldSkills movement, which promotes excellence in vocational, technical, and employability skills among youth.

It serves as a platform for young professionals to demonstrate expertise in a wide range of traditional, industrial, digital, and emerging technology skills. The competition also supports international cooperation, industry partnerships, and TVET reforms across Asia.

Background

WorldSkills Asia (WSA) was formed to organise regional skill competitions in Asia under the broader WorldSkills framework.

The first WorldSkills Asia Competition was held in 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 2025 edition, in which India made its debut, was hosted by Chinese Taipei and marked the third edition of the continental competition.

Key Features of WSAC 2025

The competition is considered Asia’s largest regional event for skills excellence. More than 500 competitors took part across 44 high-demand skill categories.

The skill areas included:

• Advanced and future-oriented skills such as robotics, artificial intelligence, web technologies, software development, and automation
• Industrial and design-oriented skills like industrial design technology
• Traditional trades such as painting and decorating and electrical installations

The event also aimed to:

• Bridge the education–employment gap
• Promote youth employability
• Strengthen trainer capacity
• Encourage industry–academia partnerships
• Boost international collaboration in skill development

India’s Participation and Performance

India participated with a team of 23 competitors across 21 skill categories, supported by 21 technical experts. The Indian delegation was led by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) along with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Medals Won by India

• Silver Medal in Painting and Decorating
• Bronze Medal in Industrial Design Technology
• Bronze Medal in Robot System Integration
• Three Medallions for Excellence in other skill categories

India’s overall 8th rank in its debut reflects the country’s improving ecosystem in vocational training, industry-aligned skills, and global competitiveness in skilled trades.

Significance for India

India’s performance demonstrates:

• Rising global recognition of India’s skilled workforce
• Progress in strengthening the TVET ecosystem
• Alignment with initiatives such as Skill India Mission
• Focus on future-ready skills like robotics, AI, and digital technologies
• Greater integration of traditional trades with modern industry demands

Participation in such competitions helps benchmark India’s skill standards against global peers and improves employability, productivity, and innovation capacity.