Introduction
Not every 21-year-old can say they have competed at district, state, regional, and national level – and come out the other side as India’s representative at one of the world’s most prestigious international competitions. But for Vishnu Prajapat, a sixth-semester student in the Faculty of Renewable Energy at Bhartiya Skill Development University (BSDU) in Jaipur, that is exactly where his curiosity about solar energy has led him.
Selected to represent India in the Renewable Energy category at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Vishnu sat down with us to talk about his journey, the role BSDU played in shaping him, and what he wants to say to every student still on the fence about practice-based education.
What carried Vishnu from a curious first-year student to a national podium is BSDU’s practical-first approach to renewable energy learning. From day one, classroom learning at BSDU runs alongside real internship exposure, and the university’s dedicated solar technology labs let students practice site surveys, installation, testing and commissioning on real equipment, not just in theory. It’s this combination of specialised infrastructure, hands-on repetition and mentor guidance that turns interest into genuine competition-ready graduate Competencies.
Vishnu Interview:
Welcome, Vishnu. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey at BSDU.
“My name is Vishnu Prajapat. I am 21 years old and live in Jaipur. I am currently pursuing my studies at BSDU and am in my 6th semester in the Faculty of the Renewable Energy Skills.
I have been very much interested in renewable energy since the beginning. I was always curious about solar energy and how it works. Since BSDU is totally a skill-based university, I decided to pursue my education here. I took admission in 2023.
During this journey I learned many things. From the first year itself, we received practical training and internship exposure alongside classroom learning. We gained valuable hands-on skills as well as industry experience. That experience helped me realize that I could build a future in this field.
Later, my teachers introduced me to the IndiaSkills competition, where we can showcase our skills and competencies. In 2025, I got myself registered for the WorldSkills competition. I was first shortlisted at the district level. After that, my training began at BSDU, where I got to learn many new skills and techniques – like how to handle tools professionally and efficiently. It was then that I truly understood what skill excellence means.
At the State level competition, I won a Silver Medal. I then participated in the Regional Competition held in Gujarat, where I secured a Gold Medal. Finally, I won a Bronze Medal at the National Competition.”
Vishnu’s story shows how BSDU’s model turns curiosity into competence. From the first semester onward, classroom theory is consistently anchored in real projects, internships and lab work, so that students don’t just learn about renewable energy.
They practice site surveys, installation and commissioning on real systems.
By the time a competition like IndiaSkills appears on the horizon, many of the required competencies are already part of their everyday learning experience.
It has now been officially announced that you will represent India in the Renewable
Energy category at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. How do you feel?
“Actually, when the announcement came that I have been selected to showcase my skills at the international level, I felt extremely happy. I also shared the news with my family members, my university, my mentors, coaches, and all my friends.
What excites me even more is the opportunity to showcase the skills I have learned at my university. Everything I have learnt in this journey so far – whatever I have done – can now be presented at the international level.”
From being a student to becoming a national-level competitor, what role has BSDU played in your journey?
“BSDU has played the most important role in my success. Most of the competencies required for competitions were developed here through skill-based learning and practical training. I learned essential aspects such as site surveys, solar installation, testing, and commissioning. I was also trained in workplace safety practices and the proper use of PPE.
BSDU also provides excellent and specialised laboratories for practical learning – dedicated labs for solar technology, installation practices, and testing procedures.
The training given here is very futuristic in nature – not merely for competitions. It focuses on how you can build your future and grow. This training proved to be incredibly helpful during the competition, because I already had a clear understanding of the processes involved. I was familiar with handling tools and using equipment correctly. As a result, the competition was far less challenging than I had expected.”
For BSDU, stories like Vishnu’s are not just about medals. They are proof that a competency-based, industry-integrated curriculum can produce graduates who are confident on competition stages and in real workplaces.
The same training that prepares students for IndiaSkills and WorldSkills
- Safety culture
- Precision
- Problem-solving under pressure
This is exactly what employers in the renewable energy sector are asking for.
Many young students of this generation are hesitant to choose Industry-Integrated practice-based higher education. What message would you like to give them?
“According to me, if you possess skills, you can succeed and find job opportunities in many places – because skills make a difference. However, many students tend to follow the crowd instead of exploring their own interests and strengths.
I believe that in today’s industry, knowledge alone is not enough. Practical skills are what truly create value and set you apart. Knowledge is important, but skills give you the ability to perform effectively. If you have skills, it opens up numerous career opportunities. Skill-based education prepares you for future growth and emerging opportunities.”
Vishnu’s path – from a curious teenager in Jaipur fascinated by solar panels, to a national competitor bound for Shanghai.
That is the kind of story that makes the case for Industry-integrated practice-based higher education better than any brochure could.
His message is simple but powerful
Don’t follow the crowd. Follow your interests, build real competencies, and the opportunities will follow.
It’s a message backed up by BSDU’s own model:
- Specialised labs
- Practice-based learning from semester one
- Mentors who prepare students for competition-level performance, not just exams.
That’s the foundation that took Vishnu from curiosity about solar panels to India’s national team.
As he steps onto the world stage at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Vishnu takes with him the learning from BSDU’s labs, the lessons of every competition round, and the drive of someone who knows exactly what they are capable of.
Support Vishnu as he represents India in Renewable Energy at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026!
