ASDC Widens Skilling Reach, Apprenticeship Contracts Jump 112% in FY26

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) said on Monday its skilling programmes reached more than 5 lakh learners in the financial year 2025-26, a rise from 4.29 lakh a year earlier, as the industry body widened its network of training partners and assessment centres.

ASDC conducted close to 1.53 lakh assessments during the year, it said at its Annual Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on 31st August. The council generated 2.88 lakh apprenticeship contracts across roughly 3,700 establishments, a figure it said exceeded its annual target under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme by more than 112%.

The council added 286 training partners and 178 affiliated centres during the year. It also certified 575 trainers, including 443 who were newly certified, and now works with 44 industry partners on 100 approved qualifications.

ASDC Prioritises EV, Connected Vehicle and ADAS Skilling

Prabhu Nagaraj, who presented the annual update, said skilling could no longer be treated as a standalone training function given the pace of change in vehicle technology. "Skills have to become a strategic priority for the automotive industry," he said, citing the growth of electric vehicles, connected vehicles and software-defined vehicles as forces reshaping job roles across the sector.

Nagaraj said the council would prioritise curricula covering electric vehicles, batteries, connected vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems, alongside reskilling programmes for workers already employed in the industry.

ASDC Links Skilling Push to Road Safety

ASDC treasurer Rama Shankar Pandey addressing delegates earlier at the conclave, linked the skilling push to road safety, noting that road accidents claim lives at a rate the industry must help reduce through better-trained technicians and workers. "Every three minutes one Indian we lose," he said, calling on component manufacturers, dealerships and training partners to take up specific projects rather than leave skilling initiatives to the council alone.

Prasanna Pahade Begins Tenure as ASDC CEO

The conclave also marked the first day in office for ASDC's new chief executive, Prasanna Pahade, who takes over after more than two and a half decades in the logistics and manufacturing sector.