India has dispatched a 30-member contingent to Australia for the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) 2026, a key international preparatory event ahead of the 48th WorldSkills Competition scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, later this year.
The contingent, comprising 15 competitors and 15 experts, was formally sent off by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on June 22. The competition will take place from June 23 to 29 and is being organised by WorldSkills Australia.
The Global Skills Challenge serves as a full-scale simulation of the WorldSkills Competition, allowing participating countries to test their readiness under actual international competition conditions. Nearly 600 competitors, experts, translators, and officials from various WorldSkills member nations are expected to participate.
Team India will compete across 15 skill categories, including 3D Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Automobile Technology, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Cloud Computing, Floristry, Graphic Design Technology, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Industrial Mechanics, Painting and Decorating, Restaurant Service, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Web Technologies.
Speaking at the send-off ceremony, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, described the challenge as an important opportunity for competitors to gain international exposure, refine their skills, and strengthen their preparation for Shanghai. She encouraged participants to remain focused, learn from their mentors, and make the most of the experience.
Arunkumar Pillai, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), highlighted the rigorous selection process that brought the competitors to this stage. He urged the team to remain disciplined and confident while visualising success on the global stage.
Senior officials from MSDE and NSDC, including Manisha Sensarma, Senior Economic Advisor, and Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, were also present during the event.
The competition will replicate the WorldSkills environment through four days of intensive contests and internationally recognised assessment systems. Beyond technical evaluation, the event will expose participants to global standards, advanced technologies, industry practices, and diverse competition approaches.
India’s participation in the Global Skills Challenge reflects the broader goals of the Skill India Mission to build a future-ready workforce and strengthen the country’s position in the global skills ecosystem. The experience is expected to enhance Team India’s preparedness and competitive edge as it gears up for the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later this year.
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