India takes flight with SOAR: New era of AI skilling begins

India is intensifying efforts to build an AI-ready workforce through a new national skilling initiative that integrates artificial intelligence into classrooms and vocational training.

The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) program, launched in July 2025 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aims to make AI literacy a core component of education while aligning with India’s long-term goal of becoming a global technology leader.

Introduced as part of the 10-year anniversary of the Skill India Mission, SOAR is designed to expand the mission’s reach into emerging fields such as AI, data science, and automation under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0.

Officials said the program will help build foundational AI understanding among students and teachers, ensuring the next generation is equipped for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

“SOAR reflects our commitment to preparing India’s youth for the future of work, where AI will play a defining role,” an MSDE spokesperson said. “By fostering AI literacy at the school level, we are laying the groundwork for innovation, employability, and self-reliance.”

1. Fostering AI awareness: A major focus of the program is to introduce basic AI and machine learning (ML) concepts to students and teachers. Through interactive modules and training workshops, SOAR aims to encourage curiosity about ethical and practical uses of AI. Educators will receive specialized training to integrate AI topics into existing curricula, ensuring that learning outcomes stay aligned with industry requirements.
2. Driving economic self-reliance: The initiative also supports India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by training youth for high-demand roles in technology, IT, and digital innovation. By embedding AI-focused skills within PMKVY 4.0 and related skilling platforms, the program aims to boost employability, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness in the global market.
3. Building a tech-driven India: In the long term, SOAR seeks to cultivate a robust ecosystem of AI-literate students and educators who can contribute to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It envisions creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready for jobs in data analytics, automation, and AI product development.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming India’s education landscape by enhancing digital literacy and reimagining classroom practices.

Following the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, AI is being introduced in schools to nurture analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced AI as a subject for Class IX students in 2019–2020 and extended it to Class XI in 2020–2021.

The curriculum focuses on practical applications such as project-based learning and personalized digital tools.

To further support this shift, the government is establishing a Centre for Excellence in AI, aimed at promoting the use of AI in education and developing tools for Indian languages.

The center will also drive the transition from traditional teaching to technology-based approaches described as “from chalkboards to chipsets.”

It will work in tandem with AICTE’s recommendation for technical institutions to offer AI electives and with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which already provide advanced courses in deep learning, machine learning, and data analytics.

AI and digital skilling are also being integrated into the Skill India Mission (SIM) through programs under PMKVY 4.0, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) serves as a central platform for accessible, tech-driven training resources.

SOAR’s alignment with the Skill India Mission ensures that AI training reaches students across educational levels, equipping them with digital competencies required in modern industries.

It also contributes to the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by creating a workforce that can harness AI to strengthen innovation and productivity.

By integrating AI learning into the Skill India Digital Hub, the program aims to reduce the urban-rural digital divide, offering equitable access to digital education in both government and private schools.

This inclusivity is expected to empower students from marginalized communities while upskilling teachers nationwide.

SOAR is also designed to increase youth interest in AI-related careers and close the existing skill gaps in emerging technology sectors.

Through its hands-on, inclusive approach, the program hopes to create a generation of AI-aware citizens who can use technology responsibly and creatively.

The launch of SOAR marks a significant step in India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for AI innovation and education.

By embedding AI into the country’s learning and skilling ecosystem, the initiative not only strengthens employability but also fuels India’s transition toward a knowledge-driven, self-reliant economy prepared for the digital future.