Skill Development is the most important step for a successful second innings after retirement from the Indian Armed Forces. When a soldier retires, it is not the end of life but the start of a new chapter. Most Ex-Servicemen (ESM) retire early—usually between 35 and 55 years of age—after serving 15 to 20 years or more. After retirement, many veterans want to start a second career, but for good jobs in civilian life, they often need new training and updated skills.
To help veterans and their families succeed after service, the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) runs skill development programmes through resettlement and training initiatives. Many of these courses are free or subsidised and are designed to teach job-ready skills. The Government of India also supports national learning platforms such as the Skill India Digital Hub (NSDC ecosystem) and other schemes that offer free or low-cost online courses.
Below is a verified list of free or low-cost skill courses available to Ex-Servicemen in 2026 to help them build successful second careers.
đź“Ś 1. DGR Resettlement Training Programs (Free for ESM)
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) organises many training courses for serving and retired armed forces personnel to help them develop civilian career skills. These courses prepare Ex-Servicemen for jobs or self-employment after retirement.
Who Can Join DGR Training?
DGR resettlement courses are meant for:
- Serving officers and PBORs in the final 1–2 years of service
- Retired officers within a few years of retirement
- Retired PBORs up to the age of 60
- Widows and dependents (eligibility depends on the course)
A comprehensive guide to the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) website
How DGR Training Helps
DGR training focuses on practical skills that are useful in the civilian job market. These courses help Ex-Servicemen find jobs, start businesses, or improve their chances of employment after retirement.
Examples of DGR Training Courses
The list of courses may change from time to time, but commonly offered courses include:
Management & Business Skills
- Business Management
- Retail Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Human Resource Management
- Financial Management
- Project Management
- Entrepreneurship Development
Technical & Vocational Skills
- Automobile Repair
- Electrical Technician
- Plumbing & Pipefitting
- Welding Technology
- Refrigeration and AC Repair
- Carpentry
- Computer Hardware Maintenance
IT & Digital Skills
- Basic Computer Applications
- Advanced Excel and Data Analysis
- Cyber Security Basics
- Web Designing
- Digital Marketing
- Tally with GST
- Graphic Designing
Healthcare & Support Services
- Medical Lab Technician
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- First Aid and Emergency Care
- Hospital Administration
Security & Safety
- Security Supervisor Training
- Industrial Safety Management
- Fire Safety
- Crowd Management
Other Useful Skills
- Photography
- Tourism and Travel Management
- Food Processing
- Horticulture
- Poultry Farming
- Many other trades such as solar technician, CCTV installation, mobile repair, drone operation, and similar skills
Courses usually last between 2 to 6 months, depending on the trade.
đź“Ś 2. National Skill Development and Government Platforms
Apart from DGR, Ex-Servicemen can also use other Government of India skill platforms that offer free or almost free training.
Skill India Digital Hub
This platform offers free digital and technical courses such as:
- Artificial Intelligence basics
- Cloud computing
- Python programming
- Data entry and office skills
- Cyber security basics
- Digital marketing
These courses are helpful for Ex-Servicemen who want jobs in IT, offices, or service sectors.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
PMKVY is a Government skill development scheme that provides:
- Short-term skill training
- Free certification
- Industry-recognised qualifications
Many Ex-Servicemen can use PMKVY training to improve their employability in different sectors.
đź“Ś 3. How to Enroll in Free Skill Courses
For DGR Training
- Contact your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) or Rajya Sainik Board (RSB).
- Register through the official DGR process.
- Submit documents such as discharge certificate, service details, and photographs.
- Apply for the course of your choice and attend training at approved institutes.
For Skill India / PMKVY Courses
- Register on the Skill India platform using mobile number and Aadhaar.
- Choose a suitable course.
- Complete the training online or at a nearby training centre.
đź“Ś 4. Why These Courses Matter for Ex-Servicemen in 2026
India has a large number of Ex-Servicemen and their dependents who retire early and need new skills for civilian jobs. These training programs help veterans:
- Learn new skills
- Get government-recognised certificates
- Find jobs or start small businesses
- Become financially independent
Free training ensures that even veterans from rural or remote areas get equal opportunities.
👉 Directorate General Resettlement: Bridging the Gap for Ex-Servicemen in 2026
đź“Ś Conclusion
In 2026, free skill development programs for Ex-Servicemen—through DGR resettlement training and national skill development schemes—offer a strong foundation for a successful second career. These programs are designed to respect military service and help veterans move confidently into civilian life.
Ex-Servicemen are strongly advised to make use of these opportunities early, plan their second career carefully, and upgrade their skills before or soon after retirement.
With the right training, the next chapter of life after uniform can be just as successful and meaningful.
Q 1: Are skill courses really free for ex-servicemen?
Many DGR resettlement courses are sponsored/subsidised. Online govt platforms also offer many free learning courses.
Q 2: Who can join DGR training courses?
Serving personnel in final years, retired veterans within eligibility period, and in many cases widows/one dependent (as per scheme/course).
Q 3: Up to what age can PBOR attend DGR training?
Generally up to 60 years or within 5 years of retirement/release (whichever earlier), as per ESM Training Scheme.
Q 4: Do officers also get DGR training benefits?
Yes. DGR runs resettlement training programmes for officers and publishes separate calendars.
Q 5: Where can I see the official DGR training schedule?
On the official DGR website under training / resettlement course schedules.
Q 6: Is DGR training only for jobs or also for business?
Both. Courses support employment and self-employment/entrepreneurship.
Q 7: Can widows/dependents join these courses?
Yes—many schemes allow widow or one dependent to enroll, subject to eligibility.
Q 8: Is Skill India Digital Hub useful for veterans?
Yes. SIDH provides online skilling courses in digital, office and technical skills.
Q 9: Is PMKVY available to veterans also?
Yes. PMKVY is a general government scheme and can be used by veterans like other citizens.
Q 10: What is the best course for a retired soldier?
Depends on goals:
Job: Security supervisor / digital / accounting
Business: Entrepreneurship / retail / supply chain
Technical: AC repair / electrician / vehicle tech
