SOAR: Fostering AI-Driven Education and Skill Development

Posted On: 22 OCT 2025, 10:25 AM | By: PIB Delhi

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Key Takeaways

• Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) targets school students from Classes 6 to 12 and educators, preparing a future-ready India in an increasingly digital world.
• The program features three 15-hour modules for students and one independent 45-hour module for educators, covering ethical AI use and basic machine learning concepts.
• The Union Budget 2025–26 allocates ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education, aimed at advancing AI-driven learning and innovation.
• As of June 2025, 1,480 apprentices have been trained under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme – Phase 2 (NAPS-2) in AI-related roles like AI Data Engineer and Machine Learning Engineer. (FY 2022–23 to FY 2025–26)

Introduction

The global workforce is undergoing a profound transformation driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science and automation. As AI becomes embedded in sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing and public services, there is an urgent need to bolster AI literacy and develop specialised talent.

The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), represents a strategic initiative to integrate AI competencies into India’s educational framework. This aligns with the government’s goal of leading global technological advancement.

Introduced in July 2025, SOAR coincides with the 10-year milestone of the Skill India Mission, which has empowered over 6 crore people through various skilling initiatives since 2015 — including expansions into emerging domains like AI under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).

SOAR’s Mission: Empowering the Future

Foster AI Awareness

SOAR prioritises AI literacy among school students and educators. By introducing foundational AI concepts — such as machine learning basics and ethical AI use — the programme aims to spark curiosity and build aspiration among young learners.

For educators, SOAR provides specialised training to integrate AI modules into existing curricula, ensuring effective delivery and industry alignment.

Support Economic Self-Reliance

SOAR supports India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by equipping youth with high-demand skills in sectors such as IT, digital innovation and AI-driven industries. It aligns with national priorities under flagship schemes such as PMKVY 4.0, which emphasise skilling for emerging technologies to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.

Build a Tech-Driven India

The long-term vision of SOAR is to position India as a global leader in AI by preparing its youth for AI-driven careers and entrepreneurial ventures. By creating an ecosystem of AI-literate students and educators, the initiative aims to build a pipeline of professionals skilled in AI development, data analytics and tech innovation.

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming India’s Education Landscape

AI is revolutionising India’s education sector by spurring innovation, enhancing digital literacy and readying students for a technology-driven future. In line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), AI is being integrated into classrooms and skilling frameworks.

AI in School Curriculum

The NEP 2020 emphasises inclusion of contemporary subjects like Artificial Intelligence in school curricula to foster innovation and digital literacy. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced AI as a subject in Class IX from 2019-20 and extended it to Class XI from 2020-21.

By 2025, over 7.9 lakh students from Classes IX–X and more than 50,000 students from Classes XI–XII have chosen AI — a sharp rise from around 15,000 and 2,000 students respectively when the subject was first introduced in 2019.

Centre for Excellence in AI

The Government of India is establishing a Centre for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence to advance AI adoption in education. The centre will promote AI-enabled learning in Indian languages, encourage critical thinking in classrooms, and drive the transition from “chalkboards to chipsets.”

It will also support efforts by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-approved institutions to offer AI as an elective, while the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) continue to offer advanced AI courses in areas like Deep Learning, Machine Learning and Predictive Data Analytics.

Integration of AI and Digital Learning in the Skill India Mission

AI and digital learning programmes are being embedded within the Skill India Mission (SIM) to build a future-ready workforce. Key initiatives include:

• PMKVY 4.0 – Short-term training, upskilling and recognition of prior learning in futuristic domains.
• NAPS – Apprenticeships in AI-related trades.
• Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) expanding AI-based courses.
• The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform – providing accessible digital learning for AI.

AI Skilling under PMKVY 4.0 and NAPS-2

PMKVY 4.0

Launched in 2015 and now in its fourth phase, PMKVY 4.0 emphasises short-term skilling, up-skilling and recognition of prior learning in futuristic domains. As of July 2025, over 25 lakh candidates have been trained under this phase — including 34,709 individuals in AI-related roles such as Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer and DevOps Engineer.

NAPS-2

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which began in August 2016 and is currently in its second phase, promotes apprenticeships in AI trades. The government offers stipend support of 25% of the minimum prescribed stipend per apprentice (up to ₹1,500 per month) during training.

From FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 (up to June 2025), 1,480 apprentices have been engaged in AI-related trades across the country — including roles such as AI Business Intelligence Analyst, AI Data Engineer, AI Database Administrator, AI Machine Learning Engineer, AI Data Quality Analyst, AI Data Scientist, AI DevOps Engineer and Python AI Trainee.

SOAR: Relevance and Expected Outcomes

• Strategic Alignment with Skill India Mission: SOAR supports the Skill India Mission by offering targeted modules for students, thereby improving employability and productivity in AI-driven sectors.
• Contribution to Viksit Bharat Vision: It fosters the “AI for All” agenda under the vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, creating a tech-savvy workforce that enhances innovation and competitiveness.
• Promotion of Digital Inclusion: Through platforms like the Skill India Digital Hub, SOAR bridges the urban-rural digital divide and ensures equitable access to AI education across schools.
• Empowered Students and Educators: The programme aims to produce AI-aware students and trained educators capable of integrating AI ethically and effectively into classrooms.
• Bridging the Skill Gap: SOAR is expected to spark youth interest in AI careers, narrow regional disparities in digital literacy, and build an inclusive AI talent base.

Conclusion

The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme marks a pivotal step in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in AI-driven education and workforce development. By embedding AI literacy into school curricula and vocational training, it equips both students and educators with cutting-edge skills and fosters a culture of innovation and ethical technology use.

Through platforms like the Skill India Digital Hub and strategic partnerships, SOAR ensures AI education is accessible, equitable and future-oriented. As a cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, SOAR lays the foundation for a digitally inclusive, innovative and self-reliant India — ready to shape the future of global innovation.

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