The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has disrupted the working of various industries worldwide. It has led to a huge demand for workers who have knowledge of AI and other emerging technologies. India’s working-age population (15–64 years old) is large. By 2030, India is expected to have 1.04 billion working-age people. With its rich demographic dividend, the nation stands at the cusp of an AI-led transformation. Recognising this, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has initiated significant measures under the Skill India Mission (SIM) to prepare the younger generation for the opportunities presented by AI across various sectors.

Current Strategies and Programs

The rapid growth of AI and other technologies is reshaping the job market worldwide, creating opportunities and challenges for young people. A skilled and dynamic young workforce is the key driver of a country's growth trajectory. In response to AI’s significant impact on skills and market needs, India has adopted multi-pronged programs focusing on training, reskilling, and upskilling youth through programs under SIM for AI skill development. New training programs have been introduced under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 to enhance digital and technical skills among youth. The PMKVY 4.0 has focused on new-age skills like AI/ML, Web 3.0, etc. The training has been provided in nine AI-related courses under PMKVY 4.0. Also, under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), 61 private establishments currently provide apprenticeships in seven AI-related courses.

 

Additionally, the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under MSDE has introduced a one-course ‘Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA)’ to impart AI-based skill training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The AIPA course has been implemented under CTS at selected 19 NSTIs from the Academic Session 2024-25. To further expand the reach of AI education, a micro-credential course, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, of 7.5-hour has been developed for all CTS trainees in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), in collaboration with industry and academic experts. 

 

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), launched by the MSDE has emerged as a comprehensive platform offering an extensive range of AI and ML courses, catering to learners at various proficiency levels. From foundational programs to specialised offerings, the platform caters to varying levels of expertise and application, enabling participants to stay at the forefront of AI and ML technology. Additionally, partnerships with technology leaders such as Microsoft India to implement capacity-building training programs for the students of NSTIs and ITIs have been instrumental in enhancing capacity-building efforts in the field of AI skill development.

Addressing Challenges

While these initiatives towards AI-driven skill development among youth are commendable, several challenges persist in achieving nationwide AI skill development:

1. Access and Inclusion

2. Industry-Academia Alignment

3. Scalability of Training

4. Educator Training

Policy Recommendations

To overcome these challenges and maximise the potential of AI-driven skill development, the following steps can be taken:

1. Expanding Digital Infrastructure.

2. National AI Curriculum

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with tech giants, academic institutions and startups

4. Incentivising AI Research and Innovation

5. Periodic Skill Assessment and Feedback

Conclusion

 

The present era is disruptive. For new entrants in the job market, AI training is critical, and for ones who are already working, reskilling and upskilling are critical as AI is transforming the industry. By scaling up and refining current strategies under SIM, collaborating with other relevant Ministries such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and addressing the challenges, India can harness its demographic dividend to boost economic growth, foster innovation, create new employment opportunities and build a future-ready workforce.