New Delhi : As India intensifies its preparations for the upcoming
WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, the Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today sent off Team India for the Global
Skills Challenge (GSC) 2026 in Australia. The 30-member Indian
contingent, comprising 15 competitors and 15 experts will represent the
country at the international skills simulation event being held from 23–29
June 2026.
The Global
Skills Challenge, organised by WorldSkills Australia, is a full-scale
international simulation of the WorldSkills Competition and serves as an
important preparatory platform ahead of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in
Shanghai, China. Designed to recreate actual international competition
conditions, the event enables participating countries to benchmark performance,
test preparedness, and sharpen competitive readiness in a high-intensity global
environment.
The competition
will replicate the WorldSkills environment through four full days of skill
contests, supported by the internationally recognised Competition
Information System (CIS) for marking and assessment. With participation
expected from nearly 600 competitors, experts, translators, and officials
from WorldSkills Member Nations, the event offers Team India valuable experience rnational standards, emerging
technologies, and global best practices.
Speaking on the
occasion, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship, said, “The Global Skills Challenge 2026 Australia
is not merely a competition, but an important opportunity for Team India to
gain international experience, sharpen their skills and prepare for the
WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. I encourage each competitor to listen
closely to their experts, remain focused and disciplined, and make the most of
every learning opportunity. Each one of them is already a champion for the
country, and we are immensely proud of their journey. I wish Team India the
very best as they move forward with confidence to make India proud on the
global stage.”
Furthermore, Shri
Arunkumar Pillai, CEO, National Skill Development Corporation, said, "Each
one of our candidate has earned their place here through a gruelling and highly
competitive journey to become among the very best in India. This Global Skills
Challenge 2026 Australia is the final stretch before Shanghai, and now is the
time for even greater focus, discipline and determination. I hope they learn
from every experience, trust their training, and visualise success. Manifest
that moment when they stand on the podium in September 2026, carrying the hopes
of a nation. For us, they are already heroes. As they take on the world, they
must know that the entire Skill India family stands firmly behind each of our
candidate, cheering for their success every step of the way.”
Smt. Manisha
Sensarma, Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE; Smt. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, MSDE
along with other senior officials from the MSDE and NSDC, were present on the
occasion.
India will
compete across 15 skill categories at the Global Skills Challenge 2026, namely 3D
Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Automobile Technology, Beauty
Therapy, Bricklaying, Cloud Computing, Floristry, Graphic Design Technology,
Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Industrial Mechanics, Painting and
Decorating, Restaurant Service, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Web Technologies.
These disciplines represent a diverse mix of advanced manufacturing, digital
technologies, creative industries, construction trades, and service-sector
skills, reflecting the breadth and growing sophistication of India's skilling
ecosystem.
The experience
is expected to strengthen technical preparedness, enhance familiarity with
international evaluation systems, and provide competitors with the opportunity
to perform under real competition conditions before stepping onto the global
stage.
The challenge
also offers a strong benchmarking platform through engagement with leading
competitors and experts from across Europe, East Asia, Oceania, and other
participating regions. Exposure to advanced equipment environments, evolving
industry expectations, and diverse competition approaches is expected to
further strengthen India’s readiness and performance capabilities.
India’s
participation in the Global Skills Challenge reinforces the broader vision of
the Skill India Mission to prepare a future-ready workforce and strengthen
India’s position in the global skills ecosystem. Through structured training,
expert mentoring and strong industry partnerships, Team India continues to
build momentum towards achieving higher standards of excellence at the world
stage.