India’s Directorate General of Training and Shell India have launched a joint electric vehicle and green skills training program aimed at preparing the country’s youth for careers in the growing green economy, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said on Thursday.

The initiative will be rolled out across five states — Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka — through select Industrial Training Institutes and National Skill Training Institutes, with implementation support from Edunet Foundation, Shell’s training partner.

Multi-tier Training Model

The program will follow a structured multi-tier model. In the first phase, it will include:

  • A 240-hour advanced EV technician course at four NSTIs.
  • A 90-hour job-oriented course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported EV labs.
  • A 50-hour green skills foundation module at additional ITIs without lab infrastructure.

Students will be trained in electric vehicle systems, diagnostics, battery technology, digital tools, and safety protocols. Over 250 instructors will also undergo a “Training of Trainers” program to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction.

Hands-on Labs, Joint Certification

Specialised EV labs will be established in the participating ITIs and NSTIs to offer practical training and expert-led sessions.

Participants who complete the course will receive co-branded certification from Shell and DGT, along with placement support in the electric mobility and renewable energy sectors.

“This collaboration with Shell India reflects the government’s deeper commitment to aligning skilling with sustainability,” said Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary. “We are equipping young Indians with the skills to shape—and not just participate in—the global green economy.”

Supporting India’s Net-Zero Ambitions

India has made green energy and EV adoption key pillars of its climate agenda, with schemes such as Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, also known as FAME, and state-level EV policies aimed at accelerating the shift toward clean transportion.

The DGT-Shell India initiative complements these efforts by creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s transition to low-carbon technologies.

“We are ensuring that our students gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world demand,” said Trishaljit Sethi, director general of DGT. “This initiative will significantly strengthen the employability of our youth in the green mobility sector.”

Industry Support for Future-Ready Workforce

Shell India Chairperson Mansi Madan Tripathy said the program is part of the company’s commitment to building a lower-carbon future by investing in local talent.

“Equipping youth with green energy skills is an important step,” she said. “Through our collaboration, we are providing students with practical and future-ready expertise in green energy and electric mobility.”

The partnership is expected to benefit thousands of students across the five states in its initial phase, with potential for expansion based on demand and impact.