IIT Kharagpur launches ‘School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology’ to empower rural and semi-urban youth

The facility will initially accommodate 150 students annually, offering short-term certificate courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), including General Duty Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, and Phlebotomist. Affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, the programmes will culminate in certifications
issued by the Healthcare Sector Skill Council.

Prof Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur, said, “The School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology at IIT Kharagpur is more than a training hub – it is a catalyst for change. By combining skill development with cutting-edge technology, we aim to build a healthcare workforce that can serve the last mile, transform rural healthcare delivery, and contribute to the nation’s vision of inclusive growth.”

The inaugural batch will commence classes in November 2025, with plans to expand course offerings in the coming years.

The trained workforce will serve patients at the Syama Prasad Mukerji Super-Speciality Hospital at IIT Kharagpur as well as other healthcare institutions.

Furthermore, a section of the trained youth will participate in field trials and validation of healthcare technologies developed at IIT Kharagpur, enabling systematic health data generation in rural regions of West Bengal and beyond.

The initiative is expected to generate employment in the health sector, empower women, uplift economically weaker sections, and strengthen community resilience.

This year, IIT Kharagpur is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The celebrations are scheduled to begin on August 18, 2025, and will continue for a year, ending on August 17, 2026.

The Centre will issue a commemorative silver coin to mark the 75th anniversary of IIT Kharagpur.