India Launches Nationwide SOAR Programme to Empower School Students with AI Skills
In a bold step towards preparing the next generation for an AI-powered future, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) — a national initiative to equip students from Grades 6 to 12 with foundational knowledge and practical skills in artificial intelligence (AI).
Unveiled on July 22 by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the SOAR programme is structured to introduce young learners and educators to the world of AI through a progressive, skill-based learning journey.
A Progressive Curriculum for Students and Teachers
SOAR is built around three carefully designed 15-hour modules for students:
- AI to be Aware
- AI to Acquire
- AI to Aspire
Each module builds upon the last, offering students a gradual and immersive learning experience in key AI concepts, including ethical AI, generative AI, cybersecurity, and career pathways in emerging technologies.
Teachers haven’t been left out either. The programme includes a 45-hour module titled “AI for Educators,” specially developed to help school teachers understand, teach, and apply AI tools in the classroom environment.
Speaking at the launch in New Delhi, Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasised India’s ambitious vision to become home to “the world’s largest network of young learners actively engaging with artificial intelligence.”
“This initiative is a stepping stone towards building a tech-savvy, future-ready India. It reflects our long-term commitment under Viksit Bharat 2047 and our belief that skill development is essential to the nation’s progress,” he said.
Global Collaborations and Digital Platforms
In tandem with the SOAR launch, MSDE and the Government of the French Republic signed a landmark agreement to enhance international cooperation in skill development. The partnership includes initiatives like:
- Cross-border training models
- Joint curriculum design
- Vocational education frameworks
- Creation of Centres of Excellence
This collaboration reflects a growing global interest in AI skilling and vocational training, with India positioning itself as a key player in the international skill economy.
Adding to the digital transformation of skilling, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) also launched the KaushalVerse — a new Digital Enterprise Portal aimed at improving access to skill development services while simplifying vocational training governance.
Skill Impact Bond and Flexi Training Initiatives
India also marked a global milestone by operationalising the Skill Impact Bond (SIB) — the world’s largest outcomes-based development bond for skilling and employment. Backed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the MSDE, the SIB has already mobilised $14.4 million. The focus is on linking skill development efforts more directly with real employment outcomes.
To further strengthen industry-relevant training, MSDE also introduced Flexi MoUs with major industry players like Dixon Technologies, Microsoft, and HCL. These partnerships are part of the PMKVY 4.0 institutional strengthening strategy, aimed at making training more flexible and tailored to the needs of the modern workforce.
Training Initiatives Across India
As part of the broader push for skilling under PMKVY 4.0, several prominent institutions across India are participating in domain-specific training:
- IIIT Una (Himachal Pradesh) will train 120 individuals for roles such as software programmers and electrical technicians, focusing on the IT-ITeS and deep-tech sectors.
- IIT Hyderabad (Telangana) will train 280 candidates in roles like CNC Programmers and AI/ML Engineers, specifically for the electronics and capital goods industries.
- IIT Patna (Bihar) will offer training to 1,440 learners in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, green jobs, and emerging roles like AR/VR Engineers and EV Service Technicians.
- NIT Agartala (Tripura) will train 370 individuals in areas including AI-Data Science, Bamboo Artisanship, and Automotive IoT.
- RRU Gandhinagar (Gujarat) will offer wellness and digital hybrid training for 240 candidates, including roles like Fire Safety Officers and Yoga Wellness Trainers.
In Mumbai, NSTI has signed an MoU with the ICICI Foundation to promote rural incubation and entrepreneurship through project-based vocational training.
With the launch of SOAR and associated partnerships, India is not just promoting AI literacy—it’s building an ecosystem of future-ready learners, skilled educators, and globally competitive professionals. This national effort reflects a powerful vision for India’s youth to be not just consumers but creators and innovators in the AI revolution.
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