New Delhi: In a landmark move to democratize artificial intelligence and future-proof the Indian workforce, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), detailed the extensive roadmap for the “IndiaAI FutureSkills” pillar in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Under the aegis of the IndiaAI Mission, the government is launching a multi-tiered strategy to expand AI literacy and high-tech capacity building across the country, ensuring that the digital revolution reaches every corner of Bharat.
Building the Infrastructure: 570 Data and AI Labs
To improve the access, the government is establishing 570 Data and AI Labs across National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) centers, ITIs, and Polytechnics.
- 543 labs will be situated in ITIs and Polytechnics across all States and UTs.
- 27 specialized labs in collaboration with NIELIT will deliver standardized training in high-demand areas such as Data Annotation and Data Curation using Python.
- These labs are being equipped with industry-grade infrastructure to move beyond theory and support practical, applied AI experimentation.
SOAR: A National Framework for AI Readiness
A centerpiece of this initiative is the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme. Aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), SOAR is designed to eliminate fragmented learning by providing structured pathways:
- School Integration: Foundational AI awareness for students (Classes VI–XII) and educators.
- Workforce Empowerment: Expanding into sector-specific AI applications for healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, retail, and the creative industries.
- The ‘AI to be Aware’ Course: A 15-hour, NSQF Level-2 digital course designed for large-scale onboarding, including non-technical workers, featuring modules on Generative AI and responsible usage.
Digital Transformation via Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)
The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has emerged as the primary vehicle for digital-first learning, currently hosting over 120 AI-related courses. Notably, 11 of these courses are dedicated exclusively to Generative AI, reflecting the government’s agility in addressing emerging technological trends.
The “YUVA AI for All” programme continues to spearhead foundational literacy, ensuring AI awareness reaches a wide spectrum of learners. By engaging with industry leaders, academia, and State Governments, the IndiaAI Mission is moving toward a holistic national ecosystem rather than isolated interventions.
Implementation and Industry Participation
The mission is being implemented through NCVET-recognized Awarding Bodies with active industry participation to ensure that the curricula remain relevant to current market demands. The focus remains on measurable outcomes, tracking the number of learners trained and the overall enhancement of India’s technical capacity.
