UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS)
The Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) is a Group ‘A’ Gazetted central service under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It was created in 2015 to strengthen India’s skill ecosystem by recruiting professionals to design, implement, and monitor skill development programs across the country.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the ISDS examination to select officers who will work in organizations like:
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
Directorate General of Training (DGT)
National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
This guide provides detailed information on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, career growth, and job roles for ISDS.
UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) Roles & Responsibility
ISDS officers work on:
✔ Designing skill development policies
✔ Implementing PMKVY & National Apprenticeship Programs
✔ Monitoring ITIs & vocational training centers
✔ Public-private partnerships in skilling
✔ Digital & emerging technology skilling (AI, IoT, Robotics)
UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) - Exam Pattern
The selection for ISDS is done through the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) under the Mechanical Engineering stream.
Stages of Examination:
Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)
Mains Exam (Conventional Type)
Personality Test (Interview)
Prelims Exam Pattern:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Mechanical Engineering | 300 | 3 Hours |
Mains Exam Pattern:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mechanical Engineering | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Mechanical Engineering | 300 | 3 Hours |
Personality Test:
Interview: 200 Marks
Focus: Communication skills, leadership quality, and knowledge about skill development sector.
UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) - Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Degree/Experience |
|---|---|
| Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or Science (OR) Master’s degree in Management, Social Work, Economics, or Commerce |
Work Experience: Minimum 3 years in skill development, vocational training, or related fields.
2. Age Limit (As per UPSC Notification)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per government norms)
3. Nationality
Must be an Indian citizen.
UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) - Syllabus
The syllabus is the same as the UPSC ESE Mechanical Engineering syllabus. Key topics include:
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Heat Transfer
Theory of Machines
Manufacturing Technology
Machine Design
Industrial Engineering
Mechatronics and Robotics
Renewable Energy
Engineering Aptitude
UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) - Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission:
| Post | Pay Level | Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (Assistant Director) | Level-10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Senior Level (Director/Deputy Director) | Level-11/12 | ₹67,700 – ₹2,09,200 per month |
Plus: DA, HRA, TA, Medical Allowance, Pension Benefits
UPSC Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) - Career Growth & Promotion
| Position | Promotion Timeline |
|---|---|
| Assistant Director | Entry Level |
| Deputy Director | 5-7 Years |
| Joint Director | 10-15 Years |
| Director | 20+ Years |
| Additional Director General | Senior Position |
| Director General (Top Post) | Highest Position in ISDS |
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