New Delhi: The Government has expanded the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across India’s skill-development ecosystem through digital skilling platforms, industry-linked training, apprenticeships and upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Under the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme, 5,17,477 learners had enrolled and 1,00,664 had been certified as of August 6, 2026, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Skill India Digital Hub Expands AI Learning
The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) serves as a unified digital platform for skilling, certification, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
The Ministry launched SOAR on July 22, 2025, initially offering four online, self-paced and NSQF-aligned foundational courses:
- AI to be Aware
- AI to Acquire
- AI to Aspire
- AI for Educators
The programme has since expanded to 50 AI and AI application-oriented qualifications, covering areas such as AI for jobs, workplace productivity, sector-specific applications, inclusivity and applications for the unorganised sector.
PMKVY 4.0 Adds Future-Ready Skills
Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, the government has prioritised industry-aligned skills in emerging technologies.
These include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Internet of Things
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Semiconductors
- Drones
- Electric Vehicles
- Green Hydrogen
- Robotics
- AR/VR
- 5G technologies
As per SIDH data up to June 30, 2026, 5,44,383 candidates had been trained or oriented and 3,73,766 certified in future-skills job roles under PMKVY 4.0.
Apprenticeships Expand Into AI and Emerging Technologies
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) provides industry-led, on-the-job training in emerging sectors including AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, cybersecurity and data analytics.
Over the past three years, 3,175 apprentices have been engaged and 855 certified in AI and Machine Learning-related job roles under NAPS.
AI Training Introduced in ITIs
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced AI-focused training into the vocational education system.
India currently has 13,856 ITIs, including 3,328 government and 10,528 private institutes, offering training across 170 NSQF-aligned trades.
AI-related initiatives include:
- A one-year Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA) course.
- A 240-hour Generative AI course.
- A 7.5-hour AI micro-credential for ITI trainees.
- AI and Green Skills modules in the compulsory Employability Skills curriculum.
The AIPA course is currently being conducted at 23 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
₹60,000 Crore PM-SETU Scheme to Upgrade ITIs
The Cabinet-approved Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme has an estimated outlay of ₹60,000 crore.
The funding structure comprises:
- ₹30,000 crore from the Centre
- ₹20,000 crore from States
- ₹10,000 crore from industry
The scheme aims to upgrade 1,000 ITIs through hub-and-spoke arrangements involving state governments and industry.
Industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles under the scheme can propose curriculum changes and new courses based on industry requirements, including AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, robotics and other Industry 4.0 technologies.
National Framework for AI Skilling
The National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skilling Framework, notified by MSDE in September 2023, provides a three-tier framework:
- AI for All
- AI for Many
- AI for the Few
The framework is designed to create structured AI learning pathways aligned with industry requirements and support workforce development and lifelong learning.
The government said there are currently 119 NSQF-aligned and NSQC-approved qualifications related to AI, Machine Learning and Data Science.
State-wise AI Skilling Data
The government has also provided state-wise data on AI, Machine Learning and Data Science skilling under PMKVY 4.0, along with enrolments in New Age Courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme and AI/ML apprenticeships under NAPS.
The annexure covers all States and Union Territories, with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh recording among the highest participation figures across the different skilling categories.
The data also includes states such as Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, providing a state-wise picture of the expansion of AI and emerging-technology training.
AI Skilling Reaches Aspirational and Tribal Districts
The government has also focused on extending digital skilling opportunities to rural, remote, aspirational and tribal districts through SIDH.
Under PMKVY 4.0, SIDH data up to June 30, 2026, shows that 3,730 candidates were trained/oriented and 2,651 certified in AI-related job roles in aspirational districts, while 3,435 candidates were trained/oriented and 2,331 certified in tribal districts.
