The Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, today launched SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), a national programme designed to embed AI awareness and foundational learning among school students from Classes 6 to 12. SOAR includes three progressive 15-hour modules for students titled AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire, and a 45-hour module for teachers titled AI for Educators.
Addressing an event held in New Delhi, Minister Jayant Chaudhary said, India aspires to build the world’s largest network of young learners actively engaging with artificial intelligence (AI). This vision includes school students not just learning about AI but applying it in meaningful, real-world contexts.
He further added this would represent a significant step towards building a tech-driven, future-ready India. He also emphasised the government’s long-term vision under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and reiterated that India’s skilling journey is central to national development.
The programme covers topics like AI basics, generative AI, ethical use of technology, cybersecurity, and career pathways.
The MSDE also operationalised KaushalVerse, the new Digital Enterprise Portal by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). The platform aims to streamline the regulatory framework in vocational training and make skill-related services more efficient and accessible.
Another major launch was India’s first and the world’s largest outcomes-based development impact bond for skilling and employment—Skill Impact Bond (SIB). Led by MSDE through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the SIB has mobilised $14.4 million and aims to link skilling efforts more directly with employment outcomes
The event also saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening public-private and international partnerships in skill development.
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One of the major agreements was signed between MSDE and the Government of the French Republic, focusing on collaboration in vocational education, joint curriculum development, Centres of Excellence, and cross-country training models.
The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una will train 120 candidates in Electrical Technician and Software Programming roles under PMKVY 4.0, focusing on deep-tech and IT-ITeS sectors.
IIT Hyderabad will train 280 candidates in Sangareddy, Telangana, in Electronics, Hydrocarbon, and Capital Goods sectors for job roles like CNC Programmer and AI–ML Engineer.
IIT Patna will train 1,440 candidates in Patna, Bihar, across sectors like agriculture, green jobs, and healthcare. Job roles include EV Service Technician, AR/VR Engineer, and Elderly Caretaker.
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NIT Agartala will deliver training for 370 candidates in West Tripura in areas such as Automotive IoT, Bamboo Work Artisan, and AI–Data Science.
RRU will conduct training in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for 240 candidates in job roles ranging from Yoga Wellness Trainer to Fire Safety Officer, combining digital and wellness-oriented skills.
NSTI Mumbai signed an MoU with ICICI Foundation to support rural incubation and entrepreneurship through vocational training and project-based skilling.
A series of Flexi MoUs were signed under the PMKVY institutional strengthening strategy with companies such as Dixon Technologies, Microsoft, and HCL, aimed at customising training in line with current industry requirements.
