Monday, March 23, 2026: IndiaAI is ramping up efforts to expand artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and skills across India through its FutureSkills mission, government officials said on Monday. The initiative aims to equip students, educators, and the workforce with practical AI knowledge and capabilities, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Under the mission, programs like “YUVA AI for All” are introducing foundational AI literacy to school students and the wider community. At the same time, IndiaAI Data and AI Labs are being established at NIELIT centres, ITIs, and Polytechnics, offering standardized training in emerging technologies. Courses include Fundamentals of Data Annotation using Python and Fundamentals of Data Curation using Python, designed to provide hands-on experience.
IndiaAI Sets Up 27 NIELIT Labs for Hands-On AI Training
The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) is complementing these efforts by hosting over 120 AI-related digital courses, including 11 courses focused on Generative AI. The nationally standardized Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) program, aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), provides structured learning pathways from foundational AI awareness for students and educators to sector-specific skills for professionals.
SOAR has expanded to include applications in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, retail, and creative industries, integrating AI into practical job roles. The initiative is delivered through NCVET-recognized awarding bodies in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring consistency, scalability, and relevance.
IndiaAI’s phased approach includes setting up 570 Data and AI Labs nationwide, 27 in partnership with NIELIT and 543 across ITIs and Polytechnics, to provide practical, hands-on training tailored to India’s diverse needs. Standardized curricula and short-duration, credit-aligned courses, such as the 15-hour “AI to be Aware” program, introduce learners to Generative AI tools and responsible usage in real-world contexts.
The government is also engaging with industry, academia, and state governments to scale interventions and move toward a holistic national AI ecosystem. The initiative was highlighted by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
