Skill India 2026: Retail Sales Contest in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar hosts the Skill India 2025-26 Retail Sales regional finals. 8 young experts showcase top-tier service skills to secure a spot on the national team.
Skill India Regional Competition 2025-2026: Gandhinagar Hosts Western Region’s Best Talent in Retail Sales
GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT | February 17, 2026 — The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), is proud to host the IndiaSkills 2025-26 Western Regional Competition in Gandhinagar. This high-stakes event, held at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, serves as a vital stepping stone for young professionals aiming to represent India at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
The Spotlight on Retail Sales
Among the 63 skill categories being showcased, the Retail Sales competition stands out as a critical arena for the service sector. This year, 8 elite candidates from across the Western Region—representing Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, and the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu—are competing for the top spot.
These participants are being tested on a rigorous set of industry-standard modules, including:
• Customer Relationship Management: Handling complex consumer inquiries and conflict resolution.
• Visual Merchandising: Creating compelling product displays to drive footfall.
• Inventory Management: Demonstrating precision in stock control and sales analytics.
• Sales Pitch Excellence: Presenting product value propositions under time-sensitive conditions.
Empowering the Youth of the West
The Western Regional Competition was inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who emphasized that such platforms are essential for bridging the 30-lakh skilled manpower gap currently identified in the region's growing industrial landscape.
"Our youth are not just participants; they are the architects of a 'Viksit Bharat.' By benchmarking their skills against global standards here in Gandhinagar, we are ensuring that the Western Region remains a powerhouse of professional excellence," said a senior official from the Labour and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat.
The Road to Shanghai
The winners of this regional round will advance to the IndiaSkills National Competition. From there, the gold medalists will undergo intensive training to represent the nation at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, in September 2026.
The four-day event in Gandhinagar concludes on February 18, 2026, with a grand closing ceremony at the Gujarat National Law University (GNLU).
