The Skill Impact Bond, launched by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in 2021, has successfully trained more than 29,000 first-time job seekers from low-income families across 18 sectors in 24 states and union territories, of whom 73% have joined jobs. This initiative aims to equip 50,000 young Indians by bridging the gap between skilling and employment, and women account for 60% of the reach.
Skill Impact Bond’s key feature is its gender-responsive approach. With 74% of trainees being women from low-income backgrounds, many with limited education and no prior work experience, the programme has successfully engaged and retained these women in the workforce. Strategies such as family engagement, workplace familiarization, mobility support, and post-placement assistance have been instrumental in achieving these outcomes.
Alongside National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the Skill Impact Bond’s coalition of partners comprises the British Asian Trust, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), JSW Foundation, HSBC India, Dubai Cares, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Dalberg Advisors, and Oxford Policy Management. The skill training is delivered on-ground by Learnet Skills Limited, Magic Bus India Foundation, and PanIIT Alumni Reach For India Foundation, all selected for their capacity to innovate, scale, and reach diverse target groups.
During his address, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said:
When thoughtful minds collaborate, we don’t just invest; we build communities. We create pathways to better livelihoods, stronger families, and a more resilient nation. The Skill Impact Bond exemplifies this vision, training nearly 29,000 first-time job seekers from low-income families across 24 states and union territories. It reflects social responsibility by shifting focus from short-term inputs to long-lasting impact. With SIB 2.0, we aim to raise the bar, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a future-ready, inclusive workforce that will propel India towards global leadership.
With a budget of USD 14.4 million, the Skill Impact Bond is designed to achieve measurable outcomes linked to job placement and retention. This innovative financial model ensures accountability and effective resource use to enhance employment opportunities for youth, particularly women.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC & MD, NSDC International, said:
Skill Impact Bond has reached 29,000 lives across 24 states and 18 sectors with a 57% retention rate, aiming for 60%. Moving forward, the focus is on Employability, Employment, Income Enhancement, and Entrepreneurship. By leveraging digitalization and AI-driven innovations in healthcare, education, and beyond, SIB aligns with India’s $35 trillion economic vision for 2047, building a future-ready workforce and fuelling a more inclusive start-up ecosystem.
As the programme continues to scale its operations and mainstream its principles, it remains committed to transforming India’s skilling ecosystem by focusing on tangible outcomes and innovative practices.
The focus on employment outcomes has influenced all programme design and delivery aspects, resulting in promising results for the Skill Impact Bond. The coalition’s prioritization of tight performance management, incentive alignment between all stakeholders, engagement with employers to ensure fit-for-purpose training, and tech-enabled, data-driven decision-making ensures the impact bond is constantly optimizing and innovating to meet its goals.
