Chennai Guru Editorial Team · Updated 9 October 2026 · Based on official sources and published guidance
NULM skill training helps urban poor youth and women learn job skills and start small businesses through the National Urban Livelihoods Mission.
Course Details
| Provider | Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
|---|---|
| Level | Beginner |
| Duration | Varies by course |
| Mode | Training centres and local bodies |
| Cost | Free for eligible urban poor |
| Certificate | Skill certificate for completed courses |
Enrollment link: Visit the NULM website →
Official page: https://nulm.gov.in/
In this guide
- Course Details and Enrollment Link
- About the programme
- Is it right for you?
- Key Points at a Glance
- What you can learn
- Who can join
- How to join step by step
- Tips from Chennai Guru
- A four-week study plan
- Staying safe while you apply
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Jobs and next steps
- Key terms explained
- Frequently asked questions
About NULM skill training
The National Urban Livelihoods Mission, or NULM, works through city and town local bodies. It supports skill training, self-help groups, street vendors and small enterprise loans.
Rules and offers differ by city. The best way to start is to meet the community organiser or the municipal office in your area and ask for current courses.
Key Points at a Glance
- Provider: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Cost: Free for eligible urban poor.
- Time needed: Varies by course.
- Format: Training centres and local bodies.
- Certificate: Skill certificate for completed courses.
Is it right for you?
This option works best for these people: urban poor youth looking for a skill; women who want to join self-help groups; and street vendors and small traders. If that sounds like you, read on. If not, compare it with the related guides at the end of this page.
Before you start, plan your time and money. The time needed is varies by course. The cost is: free for eligible urban poor. Check these two points first, because they decide whether you can finish.
What you can learn
- Job skills such as tailoring, repair and basic computer work
- Soft skills and communication
- Basics of running a small business
- Self-help group methods and savings habits
- Information on loans for small enterprises
Who can join
- Urban poor youth looking for a skill.
- Women who want to join self-help groups.
- Street vendors and small traders.
How to join step by step
- Open the NULM site and read the main components.
- Visit your municipal office or ward office.
- Ask which training batches are open in your area.
- Give identity, address and income proof.
- Join the training and complete the assessment.
Tips from Chennai Guru
Go in person with copies of your documents and ask for written details. Ask whether the course is free, how long it runs and if the centre supports placement. Join a self-help group if you want a small loan, because many programmes work through groups. Keep a simple record of savings and loan payments.
A four-week study plan
- Week 1: start with job skills such as tailoring, repair and basic computer work.
- Week 2: move on to soft skills and communication.
- Week 3: practise basics of running a small business.
- Week 4: revise your notes, review self-help group methods and savings habits and apply the skills in a small task.
Write short notes after every session. Review them on the weekend.
Staying safe while you apply
- Use only the official website, nulm.gov.in, for forms and payments.
- Read the rules and fees on the official page before you share documents.
- Keep copies of every receipt, email and application number.
- Be careful with calls or messages that ask for money to confirm a seat.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not pay any fee for a free seat. Do not borrow more than you can repay. Do not rely on one source of information.
Jobs and next steps
Roles and options include tailor, mobile repair assistant, retail helper, small shop owner and self-employed service provider. Search current vacancies on the Chennai Guru jobs page and compare more options on the trainings page.
Key terms explained
Self-help group: A small group that saves money and helps its members.
Local body: A city or town government office.
Street vendor: A person who sells goods on streets or in markets.
Frequently asked questions
Is NULM available in Tamil Nadu?
The mission works across states. Ask your local body for current offers.
Who is eligible?
Urban poor families and groups as defined in the scheme.
Is training free?
Training is free for eligible people. Confirm locally.
Can I get a business loan?
Support for loans exists through the scheme. Rules vary.
Official links
Related trainings on Chennai Guru
Build a stronger profile by pairing this guide with one of these.
- Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation: Courses Guide
- NSDC training courses Guide 2026
- Naan Mudhalvan Skill Training: Free Courses in Tamil Nadu
Disclaimer: Chennai Guru is independent and is not affiliated with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Fees, dates and eligibility can change, so confirm them on the official page before you pay or apply. Do not pay any agent who promises a guaranteed seat. Finishing this programme supports your profile but does not guarantee a job.