India Set to Lead with Largest AI-Ready School Population within Six Months
India is on track to become home to the world’s largest network of school students actively using artificial intelligence (AI) within the next six months. This ambitious goal was announced by Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State for Education, during the ‘BharatSkillNxt 2025’ event in New Delhi.
Chaudhary emphasized that India is moving beyond simply introducing AI to young learners; students are already applying AI in practical ways. “This is the future we are building—bold, tech-savvy, and ready to lead,” he said, highlighting the importance of skill development as a foundation for the country's growth.
Skill India Mission Marks a Decade of Progress and New Initiatives
The ‘BharatSkillNxt 2025’ event celebrated 10 years of the Skill India Mission, showcasing accomplishments and launching new initiatives to strengthen India’s skilling ecosystem. Key programs introduced included:
- IndiaSkills 2025–2026 Operational Guidelines and Registration Portal
- SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), integrating AI education from school level
- NCVET’s KaushalVerse Digital Enterprise Portal
- Assessment Agencies and Awarding Body Guidelines
- All New Apprenticeship Training Portal
The event also saw the release of important reports and handbooks such as the India Semiconductor Workforce Strategy and the Skill Impact Bond Report, setting a clear roadmap for future workforce development.
Voices from the Event
Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce, Industry, and Electronics & IT, reflected on the transformative role of skilling in India’s future. He noted, “Skilling is the remote that holds the key to India’s transformation.” Prasada highlighted the integration of AI education through initiatives like SOAR and the focus on preparing youth to be job-ready or enterprise-ready.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, pointed out the shift in India’s education philosophy, where skills and knowledge are equally valued. He stressed the role of the National Credit Framework and AI-integrated learning in creating opportunities and mobility for learners across the country.
Public-Private and International Collaborations Reinforce Commitment
The event featured several high-impact Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), strengthening partnerships crucial for skill development:
- MSDE and the Government of the French Republic signed an MoU focusing on vocational education and skill development. HE Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France, underscored the shared vision for empowering youth through joint curricula, Centres of Excellence, and innovation-led training.
- Partnerships between National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and industry players such as SLN Technology, ICICI Foundation, Dixon Technologies, Microsoft, HCL, Apollo MedSkills, and premier educational institutions including IIT Patna, IIIT Una, and IIT Hyderabad.
These collaborations aim to create a future-ready workforce equipped with industry-relevant skills.
Recognizing Talent and Success
During the program, candidates from flagship schemes including the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) shared their experiences. Top-performing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and candidates were felicitated, showcasing the tangible impact of government skill development initiatives.
Building a Skilled and Confident Generation
With a focus on practical skills and AI readiness, India is preparing a generation of learners who are confident, creative, and capable of contributing to the future economy. The integration of AI education at the school level through programs like SOAR reflects a commitment to equipping youth not just for employment but for meaningful careers and entrepreneurship.
For educators and trainers interested in AI skill development, exploring specialized courses can provide valuable insights and tools. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical options to stay updated and enhance skill-building efforts.
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