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India has launched the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme to prepare a new generation equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, aligning education and skilling systems with the demands of a rapidly digitalising global economy. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering an AI-driven workforce, supporting the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”

About the SOAR Programme

• The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme was launched in July 2025 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as part of the Skill India Mission’s 10-year milestone.
• It aims to integrate artificial intelligence learning into school education and teacher training, enabling India’s youth to adapt to the future of work shaped by automation, data science, and emerging technologies.
• SOAR aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises digital literacy and inclusion of emerging technologies like AI in school curricula.

Objectives

• AI Literacy: To introduce students to foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data ethics.
• Capacity Building: To equip educators with the skills to integrate AI modules effectively into classroom teaching.
• Future Workforce Readiness: To develop AI competencies that align with industry demand and global technological trends.
• Promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat: To support economic self-reliance by preparing youth for jobs and entrepreneurship in AI-driven sectors.

Key Features of SOAR

• Targets school students (Classes 6–12) and educators across India.
• Offers three 15-hour modules for students and a 45-hour module for teachers, focusing on:
  • Fundamentals of AI and machine learning
  • Data literacy and responsible AI use
  • Ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI practices
• The Union Budget 2025–26 has allocated ?500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education, which will:
  • Develop AI-based learning tools and multilingual AI resources in Indian languages.
  • Promote AI curriculum design and teacher capacity building.
  • Foster innovation in classrooms and strengthen AI integration across schools and technical institutions.
• As of June 2025, over 1,480 apprentices have been trained in AI-related roles such as AI Data Engineer and Machine Learning Engineer under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2).

Integration with Skill India Mission

The SOAR initiative is an extension of the Skill India Mission (SIM) and complements schemes like:

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, which focuses on skilling for futuristic domains such as AI, robotics, and data analytics.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2), supporting apprenticeship opportunities in emerging tech roles.
• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), providing online AI learning resources and digital inclusion for rural learners.
• National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), which are incorporating AI-related modules for vocational training.

AI and Education Reform

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping India’s education system in line with NEP 2020 recommendations:

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced AI as a subject for Class IX in 2019–20 and extended it to Class XI in 2020–21.
• The Centre of Excellence for AI in Education will promote advanced learning tools, digital assessment systems, and “chalkboards to chipsets” transformation in classrooms.
• The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are already offering specialised courses in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Predictive Analytics, strengthening the higher education pipeline for AI careers.

Strategic Importance and Expected Outcomes

• Strengthens Skill India Mission: Creates a structured AI learning ecosystem for school and vocational education.
• Bridges Digital Divide: Extends AI training to rural and government schools through digital platforms, promoting inclusivity.
• Empowers Educators: Builds AI literacy among teachers to ensure effective curriculum delivery.
• Drives Economic Growth: Develops a skilled workforce ready for AI-driven sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and finance.
• Enhances Global Competitiveness: Positions India as a hub for AI innovation and responsible AI deployment.