New Delhi: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Cultus Education have launched a nationwide initiative to expand access to cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The programme aims to equip 1.5 lakh learners with foundational cloud and AI literacy while providing 10,000 participants with intensive, job-oriented training through the AWS re/Start programme and other AWS digital training content.
The initiative will be delivered entirely online and will cover all States and Union Territories, with particular emphasis on young people from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and underserved communities.
From Foundational Learning to Job-Ready Skills
The initiative is structured as a progression from basic digital learning to intensive technical training and employment opportunities.
The programme will offer:
- 1.5 lakh learners: Foundational AI and cloud literacy through AWS digital training content.
- 10,000 trainees: Intensive, instructor-led training through AWS re/Start.
- 100% online delivery: Enabling learners to participate without relocating to metropolitan centres.
- AWS Certification: Graduates completing the required training can earn an industry-recognised AWS credential.
- Employer connections: Graduates will have access to qualified interview opportunities through connections with local employers.
- National Hackathon: The programme will conclude with a hackathon where participants can showcase cloud and AI solutions.
Why Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities Are a Focus
The programme is designed to address barriers faced by young people outside major technology hubs, including limited access to globally recognised technical training, fewer connections with technology employers and a lack of industry credentials.
By using an online delivery model, NSDC and Cultus Education aim to make cloud and AI training accessible to learners across emerging talent hubs without requiring them to move to metropolitan cities.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said:
“This initiative reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat, where access to opportunity is not determined by geography or background.”
He said providing youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns with skills required for emerging jobs would contribute to building an inclusive and future-ready workforce.
What AWS re/Start Will Offer
Participants who demonstrate readiness can progress from the foundational AWS digital content to AWS re/Start, a free, cohort-based workforce development programme.
The intensive training will cover areas including:
- Cloud infrastructure
- Networking
- Cloud security
- Programming
- Relational databases
- AI fundamentals
- Hands-on laboratory exercises
- Real-world scenario-based learning
Participants will receive support from professional mentors and accredited instructors during the training.
Training Linked to Certification and Employment
A key component of the initiative is its focus on connecting learning with career opportunities.
Participants completing the AWS re/Start pathway can earn an AWS Certification, validating their cloud computing skills. Graduates will also receive access to qualified interview opportunities through connections with local employers.
The programme will culminate in a National Hackathon, where participants can present their cloud and AI solutions to hiring managers, industry representatives and other stakeholders.
Building a Wider Cloud Talent Pool
AWS APJC Lead for Skilling and Social Impact Rani Burchmore said the AWS re/Start programme is intended to bring new talent into the cloud workforce while creating career opportunities for individuals and supporting organisations seeking skilled professionals.
Cultus Education Group Managing Director Nalin Singh said the initiative would focus on making globally relevant cloud and AI skills accessible beyond India’s major metropolitan centres, with a pathway from learning and training to certification and employer connections.
Prashant Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, NSDC, was also present at the launch.
The initiative brings together government-led skilling, online technology education and industry-supported training to expand access to cloud and AI capabilities among India’s emerging workforce.
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