New Delhi: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme to promote artificial intelligence (AI) education and skill development among school students and educators, aligning with India's vision of becoming a global leader in emerging technologies.

Targeting students from Classes 6 to 12 and teachers, SOAR includes three 15-hour learning modules for students and a 45-hour module for educators focused on AI ethics, machine learning, and innovation. The initiative coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, and aligns with PMKVY 4.0 and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

The Union Budget 2025-26 earmarks ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education, aimed at advancing AI-based learning, innovation, and digital inclusion.

So far, 1,480 apprentices have been trained in AI-related roles such as data engineering and machine learning under NAPS-2 between FY 2022-23 and FY 2025-26.

Officials said the SOAR initiative aims to equip youth with employable digital skills, foster ethical AI awareness, and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by building a tech-ready workforce. It will also bridge the urban-rural digital divide through accessible online platforms such as the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

By integrating AI into the school curriculum and teacher training, SOAR is expected to transform India's education landscape and strengthen its global competitiveness in the AI era.