STEP Scheme – Skill Training & Employment for Women | Eligibility & How to Apply
A New Beginning for Lakhs of Women – STEP Scheme Brings Hope and Skill Together
In every corner of India, there are women who want to work, support their families, and build their own identity. But due to lack of training or financial help, they stay behind. To change this, the Government of India launched the Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) – a special initiative to give skills, confidence, and jobs to women.
In 2025, this scheme continues to provide free training in various sectors so that women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, can become financially independent.
This scheme is more than just training – it’s a path to self-reliance and dignity.
What is the STEP Scheme?
STEP (Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women) is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It aims to provide skills training to women so they can get employment or start their own businesses.
It covers sectors such as:
- Agriculture
- Handicrafts
- Handlooms
- Computer & IT
- Food Processing
- Gems & Jewellery
- Hospitality
- Travel & Tourism
- Retail
- Health care & more
The focus is on marginalized women – especially those from rural, tribal, SC/ST, minority and low-income backgrounds.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria:
- Only Indian women aged 16 years and above
- Preference to unemployed, unskilled and socially disadvantaged women
- No educational qualification needed
- NGOs, SHGs, and institutions can also apply to conduct training under STEP
The program supports individuals and groups who genuinely want to build skills and find employment.
What Benefits Will Women Get?
The STEP scheme offers free-of-cost training along with other support:
- Professional skill training in selected sectors
- Basic education and soft skills training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Placement assistance or self-employment support
- Stipend in some cases during training
- Follow-up support for 6–12 months after training
Training centers are often near villages or small towns, making access easier for rural women.
What is the Process and Last Date?
The scheme does not have a fixed last date. It runs throughout the year as per project approvals and availability.
Women can apply when a new training batch opens in their area.
Usually, the process is:
- STEP-approved training agencies announce training sessions
- Interested women register offline or online
- After basic verification, they are enrolled for training
- At the end of training, certificates are provided
- Some are offered jobs or guided to start small businesses
Latest Update in 2025
The Government has increased budget allocation for STEP in 2025 to reach more women in backward districts.
According to PIB,
“Over 2.5 lakh women have benefited from the STEP scheme since its launch. In 2025, over 400 new training centers have been approved across India.”
Digital tools and mobile-based learning modules are also being added to improve training quality.
How to Apply for the STEP Scheme?
There is no central portal for individuals to apply directly. However, here’s how you can start:
Steps:
- Visit the nearest government vocational training center, women’s helpdesk, or NGO
- Ask if they are conducting STEP-based training
- Fill out a simple registration form
- Submit basic documents (Aadhaar, age, income proof if needed)
- Join the batch when notified
For organizations wanting to apply under the scheme, visit:
📌 https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/support-training-and-employment-programme-women-step
Real Impact – Stories That Inspire
“I used to stitch at home. Through STEP training, I learnt new tailoring techniques and now run a boutique,” says Anju, a woman from Rajasthan.
“From being a school dropout to becoming a home healthcare worker, STEP changed my life,” says Meher, from Assam.
Such real stories prove that when women are skilled, entire families rise.
Also read: Mahila Samman Savings Certificate – A New Saving Option for Women
Summary of STEP Scheme 2025
- Scheme Name: Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP)
- Launched by: Ministry of Women & Child Development
- Target Group: Women aged 16 years and above
- Focus Areas: Skill training, employment, entrepreneurship
- Sectors Covered: Agriculture, IT, Handloom, Retail, Health, Tourism, etc.
- Cost: Free of charge for beneficiaries
- Stipend: In select programs
- Training Locations: Approved NGOs, SHGs, and training institutes
- Maturity Support: Post-training guidance and help
- Website: https://wcd.nic.in
Final Words – A Step Forward for Women’s Empowerment
Every woman has a dream – to be respected, to earn, and to live with pride. The STEP scheme gives her that opportunity. Whether you live in a village or a city, whether you are educated or not – if you are willing to learn, this scheme is made for you.
👉 Visit your local training center or women’s NGO.
Ask about the STEP scheme.
Take your first step towards a brighter future.
Because when a woman is trained, a whole community is transformed.