The Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary has inaugurated SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), a national initiative aimed at instilling AI awareness and foundational knowledge among school students from Classes 6 to 12. SOAR comprises three sequential 15-hour modules for students, titled AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire, along with a 45-hour module for educators named AI for Educators.
During an event held in New Delhi, Minister Jayant Chaudhary stated that India aims to establish the world’s largest network of young learners who actively engage with artificial intelligence (AI). This vision encompasses not only the education of school students about AI but also its application in meaningful, real-world scenarios.
He further noted that this initiative would mark a significant advancement towards creating a technology-driven, future-ready India. He also highlighted the government’s long-term vision under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and reiterated that India’s skilling journey is pivotal to national development.
The programme addresses topics such as the fundamentals of AI, generative AI, ethical technology use, cybersecurity, and career pathways.
Additionally, the MSDE has operationalised KaushalVerse, the new Digital Enterprise Portal established by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This platform is designed to enhance the regulatory framework in vocational training and improve the efficiency and accessibility of skill-related services.
Another significant launch was India’s first and the world’s largest outcomes-based development impact bond for skilling and employment—the Skill Impact Bond (SIB). Spearheaded by MSDE through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the SIB has raised $14.4 million and aims to more directly connect skilling initiatives with employment outcomes.
The event also featured the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) intended to bolster public-private and international collaborations in skill development.
The event also featured the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) designed to enhance public-private and international collaborations in skill development.
One significant agreement was established between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Government of the French Republic, concentrating on cooperation in vocational education, joint curriculum creation, Centres of Excellence, and cross-border training models.
The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una is set to train 120 individuals in Electrical Technician and Software Programming positions under the PMKVY 4.0 initiative, with an emphasis on deep-tech and IT-ITeS sectors.
IIT Hyderabad will provide training for 280 individuals in Sangareddy, Telangana, in the Electronics, Hydrocarbon, and Capital Goods sectors for job roles such as CNC Programmer and AI–ML Engineer.
IIT Patna will offer training to 1,440 individuals in Patna, Bihar, across various sectors including agriculture, green jobs, and healthcare. The job roles will encompass EV Service Technician, AR/VR Engineer, and Elderly Caretaker.
NIT Agartala will facilitate training for 370 individuals in West Tripura in fields such as Automotive IoT, Bamboo Work Artisan, and AI–Data Science.
RRU will provide training in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for 240 individuals in job roles that range from Yoga Wellness Trainer to Fire Safety Officer, integrating digital and wellness-focused skills.
NSTI Mumbai has signed an MoU with ICICI Foundation to promote rural incubation and entrepreneurship through vocational training and project-based skill development.
A series of Flexi MoUs were executed under the PMKVY institutional strengthening strategy with companies including Dixon Technologies, Microsoft, and HCL, aimed at tailoring training to meet current industry demands.
