Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL)

This course equips students with essential problem-solving skills, interpersonal expertise, and multitasking abilities tailored for careers in the banking and financial services sector. It is specially curated to meet the evolving demands of the BFSI industry, particularly in promoting financial inclusion and customer-centric service delivery.

A key focus area of the training is debt recovery management, where students are trained to handle delinquent accounts with empathy and efficiency while strictly adhering to RBI regulations and ethical practices. Trainees are taught how to engage with borrowers constructively, provide repayment guidance, and facilitate resolution while maintaining customer dignity and legal compliance.

Additionally, the programme dives deep into the roles and responsibilities of Business Correspondents (BCs) and Business Facilitators (BFs)—critical agents in delivering last-mile banking services in unbanked and underbanked regions. Participants learn how to conduct doorstep banking, support digital transactions, promote savings accounts, and assist with government financial inclusion schemes such as PMJDY, DBT, and social security schemes.

The course also imparts financial literacy, awareness of digital banking tools, KYC/AML processes, and customer service excellence. Through case-based learning, mock role plays, and field exposure, students are prepared for real-world challenges and opportunities in the BFSI ecosystem.

By the end of the course, learners are well-positioned to take up roles in banking operations, recovery services, microfinance institutions, NBFCs, and even as self-employed BC agents—becoming enablers of financial empowerment in their communities.

Empower rural women to develop entrepreneurial skills by providing them with access to tailored training programs, mentorship, and financial literacy. These initiatives aim to help women start and manage their own micro-enterprises, such as tailoring units, food processing businesses, digital service centers, or agro-based ventures. Through hands-on workshops, market linkage support, and guidance on government schemes, FUEL equips women with the confidence and capabilities to become economically independent. The program also fosters leadership, decision-making, and networking skills, enabling women to become active contributors to their communities and local economies.

Career EduConnect is FUEL’s flagship initiative, implemented in partnership with leading corporates, to raise awareness about education and career pathways among students in Grades 7 to 12 across India. The program is designed to empower first-generation learners and youth from underserved and rural regions by providing timely information, guidance, and mentorship.

It provides structured guidance on various academic streams, scholarships, vocational courses, competitive exams, and skilling opportunities. Career EduConnect also helps students understand how to apply for higher education institutions, entrance exams, and relevant government schemes. The initiative plays a critical role in bridging the gap between aspiration and awareness, particularly in Aspirational and tribal districts.

Through on-ground school visits, trained FUEL facilitators engage directly with students, parents, and teachers—conducting interactive sessions, distributing career resource kits, and addressing local educational challenges. The sessions are customized based on regional needs and are often conducted in vernacular languages for better comprehension and impact.

The programme also fosters collaboration among key stakeholders—schools, local education departments, district administration, NGOs, and corporate partners—ensuring a holistic approach to educational development and sustainable community transformation.

So far, Career EduConnect has reached over 1 million+ students across 500+ districts and aims to become India’s most accessible grassroots career awareness platform. By improving career clarity and reducing dropout and unemployment rates, it contributes meaningfully to India's human capital development and national skilling goals.

FUEL offers four comprehensive skill development programmes focused on in-demand digital technologies—Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, IoT/Big Data, and 3D Printing. These programs are designed to equip learners with both foundational knowledge and hands-on practical skills necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

In Digital Marketing, participants learn key concepts like SEO, SEM, social media strategies, and content marketing to effectively promote products and services online. The Artificial Intelligence module introduces learners to machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and real-world AI applications that are transforming industries. The IoT and Big Data program covers sensor technologies, cloud computing, and data analytics—enabling students to harness data for smarter decision-making. The 3D Printing module trains learners on design software, prototyping, and additive manufacturing techniques, providing exposure to innovation in product development and engineering.

These courses are delivered through a blended learning model that combines classroom sessions, digital simulations, and industry-relevant projects. Learners also receive mentorship from domain experts and gain exposure to real-life case studies and applications.

Aligned with future skills frameworks and corporate needs, the programmes aim to bridge the digital divide, promote innovation, and prepare youth—especially those from underserved backgrounds—for high-growth careers in emerging technology sectors.

FUEL has created the Talent Search Programme to identify, nurture, and support talented students from underserved and diverse backgrounds who have the potential to build a successful future for themselves and contribute meaningfully to society. The programme is designed to reach students who may lack access to mainstream opportunities despite their strong academic abilities, leadership traits, or unique talents.

The selection process is comprehensive and rigorous, involving multiple stages such as aptitude assessments, academic performance review, personal interviews, and socioeconomic profiling. This ensures that the most deserving candidates are selected through a transparent, objective, and merit-based process. Special attention is given to include students from remote areas, tribal belts, and aspirational districts, ensuring inclusivity and equity in access.

Once selected, students are offered a range of support services including scholarship access, mentorship by industry experts, career counselling, skill development workshops, and exposure to higher education opportunities. The programme also helps in building self-confidence, communication abilities, and career clarity among students through continuous engagement.

By investing in India’s youth potential, the Talent Search Programme plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking pathways to excellence, innovation, and leadership.

Under its Entrepreneurship Development vertical, FUEL offers a structured 20-day, 67-hour mechanics training programme aimed at empowering youth from rural, semi-urban, and urban areas with hands-on skills in two- and four-wheeler maintenance and repair. The programme focuses on enhancing employability and fostering self-employment by equipping students with industry-relevant technical knowledge and practical experience.

Participants are trained in automotive systems, including engine operation, electricals, fuel systems, suspension, braking, and diagnostics. The curriculum is aligned with NSDC and ASDC standards, and includes both theoretical instruction and extensive workshop-based training. As part of the programme, learners are prepared for the nationally recognized "Auto Service Technician (Two and Three Wheelers) ASC/Q1411" certification, enhancing their credibility in the job market.

Beyond technical training, students also receive basic entrepreneurship orientation—covering customer service, inventory management, workplace safety, and setting up a small garage or mobile service unit. The course aims to not only create job-ready technicians but also inspire micro-entrepreneurs who can start their own auto repair ventures and contribute to local economic development.

This programme has successfully enabled youth to gain sustainable livelihoods, especially in districts where formal employment is limited, and has contributed to strengthening the skilled workforce in India’s booming automotive sector.

FUEL identifies needy and deserving youth across its implementing regions through a structured outreach and mobilization strategy. These individuals are shortlisted based on predefined socio-economic criteria and are further assessed through aptitude tests to determine their interest and readiness for skill development. Once selected as beneficiaries, they are enrolled into FUEL’s tailored learning pathways and supported through a comprehensive Online Learning Management System (LMS) that offers flexibility, accessibility, and a range of curated content aligned with industry needs.

The program includes a mix of technical training, employability skills, communication development, and mock assessments to ensure the youth are job-ready. Periodic evaluations, feedback loops, and mentorship further enhance the learning experience and build learner confidence.

Upon successful completion of the training, FUEL connects beneficiaries with job opportunities through its wide network of industry partners, placement drives, and job fairs. Special focus is given to placing first-generation learners in dignified, sustainable livelihoods. As a result, FUEL has consistently achieved a 70–72% placement rate, transforming the lives of thousands of underprivileged youth by helping them secure formal employment or become self-reliant.

This end-to-end support model—starting from mobilization to training, and culminating in placement—has been instrumental in ensuring long-term impact and contributing to national skilling and employment missions.

Students from Standard 8 to 12 are provided with personalized counselling sessions to help them make informed decisions about choosing the right academic stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts—based on their aptitude, interests, and career aspirations. Through scientifically designed assessments and one-on-one mentoring, FUEL ensures that each student receives guidance tailored to their strengths and potential.

In addition to stream selection, FUEL offers career counselling workshops that expose students to a wide range of career paths, including emerging domains like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. These sessions are aimed at building clarity, confidence, and motivation among students, especially those from underserved communities.

FUEL also provides academic coaching in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to strengthen foundational knowledge and improve academic performance. Through interactive learning modules, doubt-clearing sessions, and exam-oriented strategies, students are better prepared for board exams, competitive entrance tests, and higher education opportunities.

The programme plays a critical role in reducing dropout rates, promoting continuity in education, and preparing students for future careers aligned with India’s digital and knowledge economy.

Support the Army Public School to set up a Tinkering Lab aimed at fostering creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning among students. The lab will be equipped with state-of-the-art tools such as 3D printers, robotics kits, IoT components, and basic electronics, allowing students to experiment, prototype, and bring their ideas to life. This initiative will cultivate a spirit of scientific inquiry and design thinking among schoolchildren, preparing them for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The lab will also serve as a hub for conducting innovation challenges, teacher training sessions, and community-based problem-solving projects, nurturing a culture of innovation within the school ecosystem and beyond.

Supporting Road Side mechanics toSupporting roadside mechanics to get upskilled through the Eklavya Program is a key initiative aimed at empowering informal workers in the automotive repair sector with formal training, certification, and growth opportunities. These mechanics, who often learn through experience and lack structured education, are provided with technical training in modern vehicle systems, customer service, safety protocols, and emerging technologies such as EV maintenance and diagnostics.

The program includes hands-on workshops, mobile training units, and digital learning modules to ensure flexibility and accessibility. After completing the training, participants receive recognized certifications under the NSDC framework, improving their credibility, earning potential, and employability.

In addition to skill enhancement, the Eklavya Program also promotes financial literacy, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurial support, helping mechanics expand their services or set up organized micro-enterprises. This initiative not only uplifts individuals economically but also contributes to enhancing service quality and safety standards in the unorganized automotive sector. get upskilled through Eklavya Program

At FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives), higher education is more than a milestone—it is a mission to empower first-generation learners and underserved youth with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead meaningful, impactful lives. Rooted in equity and inclusion, FUEL’s higher education initiatives focus on creating pathways for students from rural, tribal, and low-income backgrounds to access quality undergraduate and postgraduate education.

FUEL’s approach integrates academic excellence, skill development, and industry exposure to ensure students are not only educated but also employable and entrepreneurial. Through partnerships with corporates, institutions, and government bodies, FUEL provides access to scholarships, mentoring, digital learning, and future skills in high-demand areas like Digital Marketing, AI, Finance, CSR, and Entrepreneurship.

By offering programs such as BBA, PGDM, and other future-ready courses, FUEL nurtures talent that is equipped to address