PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan): A Complete Guide in Simple Words

 In today's digital world, everything is becoming online—whether it’s banking, bill payment, school education, or government services. But in many villages of India, people still don’t know how to use a smartphone, computer, or the internet. To solve this problem and make every citizen digitally literate, the Government of India launched a scheme called PMGDISHA.

Let’s understand what PMGDISHA is, why it is important, who can benefit from it, and how to apply for it in simple and easy words.

What is PMGDISHA?

PMGDISHA stands for Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan. It is a government scheme started in 2017 under the Digital India campaign. The goal of this scheme is to make 6 crore people in rural areas digitally literate.

This means helping people in villages:

  • Learn how to use smartphones or computers

  • Use the internet safely

  • Send emails or make video calls

  • Access digital services like banking, UPI, Aadhaar, etc.

The scheme is 100% free for the learner, and training is provided through registered training centers.

Why is Digital Literacy Important?

Digital literacy means the ability to use computers, smartphones, and the internet in daily life. In modern times, it has become very important. Here’s why:

  • Online Payments: With apps like UPI, Paytm, and BHIM, we can pay bills or transfer money easily.

  • Education: Many schools and colleges use online classes.

  • Jobs: Many jobs now require basic computer knowledge.

  • Government Services: Ration cards, Aadhaar updates, land records, and more are now available online.

  • Awareness: People can get news, weather updates, health advice, etc., on the internet.

By becoming digitally literate, rural people can save time, earn more, and stay connected with the modern world.

Who Can Apply for PMGDISHA?

Not everyone can apply for this scheme. The government has set certain eligibility conditions:

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Resident of a rural area

  2. Age between 14 to 60 years

  3. Should be digitally illiterate (does not know how to use computer or smartphone)

  4. Only one person per household is allowed (priority given to:

    • SC/ST

    • BPL families

    • Women

    • Minorities

    • Divyang (disabled people))

What Will You Learn in PMGDISHA?

Under PMGDISHA, learners are taught the basics of digital technology. The training is designed in a simple and practical way.

📘 Training Includes:

  • How to operate a smartphone, tablet, or computer

  • How to use the internet (browser, email, YouTube)

  • Digital payment methods (UPI, BHIM, mobile wallets)

  • How to access online services (rail/bus booking, govt websites)

  • Using social media safely (Facebook, WhatsApp)

  • Cyber safety and online security

  • How to use Digilocker, mAadhaar, Umang app, etc.

The total course duration is about 20 hours, which is completed in 10–30 days depending on the learner's speed.

How to Apply for PMGDISHA?

There are two main ways to register:

  1. Visit a PMGDISHA Training Center

  2. Register online through www.pmgdisha.in

Let’s see both in detail.

1. Registering at a Training Center (Easiest Way)

  1. Find a PMGDISHA training center near your village or town.

  2. Visit the center with your Aadhaar card and passport photo.

  3. The center operator will register your details on the PMGDISHA portal.

  4. You will be enrolled as a learner and get your Student ID.

  5. Your digital training will begin.

2. Registering Online (For Center Operators or Volunteers)

If you are a CSC (Common Service Center) operator or NGO and want to start a PMGDISHA training center, you can register on the portal and enroll students.

Steps:

  • Go to https://www.pmgdisha.in

  • Sign up as a Training Center

  • Complete documentation (PAN, Aadhaar, Bank Details)

  • Get center approval and begin enrolling students

PMGDISHA Exam and Certificate

After completing the training, learners have to appear for an online test conducted by NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology).

📋 Exam Details:

  • Mode: Online (at the training center)

  • Duration: 30–45 minutes

  • Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Also includes a practical test (like opening email, doing a transaction)

If the learner passes the exam, they receive a Digital Literacy Certificate from the Government of India.

Benefits of PMGDISHA

PMGDISHA brings many benefits for rural citizens:

✅ For Learners:

  • Learn to use smartphone, computer, internet

  • Become confident in digital tasks

  • Get a government-recognized certificate

  • Use online banking, payment apps safely

  • Stay connected with the modern world

✅ For Women:

  • Can help children study online

  • Can apply for schemes, check ration details online

  • Can start small businesses or home-based jobs

✅ For Youth:

  • Better job opportunities

  • Can apply for government exams online

  • Can work as data entry operators or CSC agents

✅ For Villages:

  • Digitally aware people mean faster development

  • More transparency and access to services

  • Improved income and self-employment

How Does the Government Support This Scheme?

The Government of India:

  • Provides funds for training

  • Pays incentives to training partners for each certified student

  • Monitors the program through real-time dashboards and reports

  • Partners with CSC-SPV (Common Services Centre – Special Purpose Vehicle) for implementation

Real-Life Example

Let’s say Sunita, a 35-year-old housewife from a village in Uttar Pradesh, joins PMGDISHA. She learns how to:

  • Open and send emails

  • Use Google to search for health tips

  • Send money to her son via UPI

  • Download her Aadhaar card

  • Watch YouTube videos to learn stitching

After training, she gets a certificate and starts teaching other women in her village. She even helps them fill government forms online. Now Sunita is not just literate, but digitally empowered.

Challenges in PMGDISHA

Though the scheme is successful, there are some challenges:

  • Lack of electricity and internet in remote areas

  • Some elderly people find it hard to learn

  • Shortage of trained instructors in some villages

  • Some centers misuse funds or do fake enrollments

The government is working to improve these areas and make the scheme more transparent and effective.

Final Words

PMGDISHA is a powerful step towards Digital India. It helps people in villages learn basic digital skills and improve their lives. In today’s time, knowing how to use a smartphone or internet is as important as reading or writing.

If you or someone in your family lives in a rural area and doesn’t know how to use a mobile or computer, encourage them to join PMGDISHA today.

Let’s make India not just literate—but digitally literate!

If you found this article useful, share it with others. For more updates on government schemes and digital services, keep visiting our blog.

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