Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme:
India is taking a major step toward building an AI-ready generation through the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme.
- It was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- It aims to integrate artificial intelligence learning into India’s school education and training ecosystem, preparing both students and teachers for a rapidly evolving digital world.
- SOAR’s long-term vision is to position India as a global leader in AI by preparing its youth for AI-driven careers and entrepreneurial ventures.
- It focuses on school students from class six to twelve and educators across India.
- It is offering three targeted 15-hour modules for students and a 45-hour module for teachers. These courses introduce foundational AI and machine learning concepts, along with data literacy and the ethical use of technology.
- In support of this vision, the Union Budget 2025–26 has earmarked ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education.
- The centre will focus on developing AI-based learning tools, promoting multilingual AI resources for Indian languages, and fostering innovative classroom practices.
- It will also strengthen AI curriculum development across technical institutions and complement existing efforts by IITs and AICTE-approved colleges that already offer advanced courses in machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics.
