Latest news with #SkillingforAIReadiness
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt launches SOAR initiative to equip school students with AI skills, featuring 15-hour modules for grades 6-12: Check all details here
The Indian government has rolled out the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) programme, marking a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence education into school curricula. This new initiative targets students from classes 6 to 12 and introduces three structured 15-hour modules to build AI literacy amongst young learners. The announcement came during the Bharat SkillNxt 2025 event held in New Delhi, which celebrated a decade of the Skill India Mission. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, spoke to an audience of policymakers, educators, and industry representatives about the programme's importance. According to details about the programme published in the Press Information Bureau (PIB), he noted that India's school-going population, the world's largest, would soon demonstrate how students can not only learn about AI but actually use it in their everyday activities. Three key modules for student AI education The SOAR programme takes a phased approach to teaching AI concepts through three distinct 15-hour modules: AI to be aware serves as the introductory module, covering fundamental AI concepts and showing students how AI technologies already exist in their daily lives. Students will learn about different types of AI and gain basic understanding of the field. AI to acquire moves students beyond awareness into practical application. This second module focuses on AI programming basics and gives students direct experience with development tools commonly used in AI projects. AI to aspire completes the student journey by examining AI's ethical considerations, its effects on employment and society, and potential career paths in the sector. Teachers will receive their own dedicated training through AI for educators, a comprehensive 45-hour module that prepares them to deliver AI education effectively to their students. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Bridging the digital divide The SOAR initiative specifically aims to provide equal access to AI education across India's varied geographical regions. By introducing AI concepts early in students' academic journey, the programme seeks to create opportunities for all learners, especially those from rural areas or communities with limited resources. This approach gives these students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The integration of AI into school education reflects the government's broader strategy to develop a workforce ready for future challenges and capable of competing internationally. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, explained that this initiative supports the National Education Policy 2020, which prioritises skill development and vocational training as essential elements of India's educational approach. Global collaborations for a robust ecosystem The government has established several key partnerships to strengthen the SOAR initiative's impact. A notable memorandum of understanding has been signed between India's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Government of the French Republic. This collaboration will support joint curriculum development, talent exchange programmes, and innovation-focused training to ensure India's AI education framework meets international standards. Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, quoted by PIB, described these partnerships as crucial for India's development as a global technology and skills leader. "This initiative will empower our youth to compete, contribute, and lead, not just in India, but globally. We are investing in skills that change lives'. Empowering students and teachers alike The SOAR programme addresses both student learning and teacher preparation. The dedicated educator module ensures teachers have the necessary tools and knowledge to guide students through this rapidly evolving field. The initiative also emphasises inclusivity and diversity. As Dr. Majumdar highlighted, the programme is structured to benefit all students, with particular attention to encouraging girls' participation in STEM subjects. This aligns with the government's goal of creating better gender balance and representation in India's digital and technology sectors. A bold step toward "Viksit Bharat" The SOAR initiative goes beyond simply preparing students for AI-related careers—it aims to develop an entire generation that feels confident and capable of using technology to solve real problems. Introducing AI skills at the school level demonstrates India's commitment to becoming a developed nation with a workforce that can both meet job market demands and drive innovation in the global digital economy. As the SOAR initiative begins implementation, it is expected to establish India as home to the world's largest AI-ready school population. This positions the country to take a leading role in the technological transformation currently reshaping industries across the globe. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt launches Skilling for AI Readiness for awareness and skills among schoolchildren
New Delhi: The ministry of skills development and entrepreneurship on Tuesday launched Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR), a national-level initiative aimed at embedding AI awareness and foundational skills among school students and building AI literacy among educators. The programme comprises three progressive 15-hour modules-AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire and AI to Aspire-for students of classes 6 to 12. It also includes one independent 45-hour module for teachers, titled AI for Educators . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Leadership Operations Management MBA Management Data Science others MCA Data Analytics Project Management PGDM Cybersecurity Others Public Policy Degree healthcare Data Science Finance Product Management Healthcare Technology Digital Marketing CXO Design Thinking Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Opportunities & Outlining Plans to use AI & ML Applying Data-Driven Business Innovation Best Practices Changing Culture to Integrate AI-Enabled Technologies Ethics, Privacy and Regulations in AI & ML Duration: 20 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Leadership in AI Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting & Analysis Financial Instruments & Markets Corporate Finance & Valuation Investment Management & Banking Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis and Financial Management Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks Indian School of Business SEPO - ISB Venture Capital & Private Equity India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Senior Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Indore Executive Programme in Business Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking & Decision-Making Skills Power of Emerging Technologies Innovation and Drive Organizational Change Fostering a Culture of Innovation Duration: 9 Months MIT xPRO MIT Technology Leadership and Innovation Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML SLP India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 18 Weeks 109820388 Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking & Planning Competitive Advantage & Market Positioning Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making Change Management & Organizational Transformation Duration: 1 Year IIM Kozhikode IIMK Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK-Women Leadership Programme INDIA Starts on undefined Get Details The programme introduces concepts such as AI basics, generative AI, AI in daily life, programming fundamentals, ethics, cybersecurity and future career opportunities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo "The programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to AI education across geographies, thereby supporting the national agenda of inclusive, future-ready skilling," the ministry said in a statement issued to mark 10 years of Skill India Mission .
Economic Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Skills ministry launches AI programme for school students
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The ministry of skills development and entrepreneurship, on Tuesday, launched a national level initiative SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) aimed at embedding AI awareness and foundational skills among school students (classes 6–12) and building AI literacy among educators.'The programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to AI education across geographies, thereby supporting the national agenda of inclusive, future-ready skilling,' the ministry said in a statement issued to mark the 10 years of Skill India Mission SOAR comprises three progressive 15-hour modules for students—AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire—and one independent 45-hour module for teachers titled AI for program introduces concepts such as AI basics, generative AI, AI in daily life, programming fundamentals, ethics, cybersecurity and future career the occasion, Jayant Chaudhary, minister of state (independent charge), MSDE, said his ministry, through the National Skills Development Corporation , has mobilised $14.4 million through Skill Impact Bond (SIB) to transform how skilling is financed, with a clear focus on employment the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) operationalized its advanced digital enterprise portal (DEP), officially named KaushalVerse and launched its revised comprehensive guidelines for the recognition and regulation of assessment agencies, 2025.'This state-of-the-art platform has been developed to streamline and democratize the core regulatory functions of NCVET, ensuring efficient, transparent, and responsive service delivery in the skill ecosystem,' the ministry guidelines mark a significant step forward ensuring standardized, transparent, and outcome-based assessment across the country, it the revised guidelines for the recognition and regulation of awarding bodies, 2025, were unveiled to align with the evolving education and employment ecosystem and the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF).'These guidelines accentuate the integration of vocational education into mainstream systems, promoting flexible, multidisciplinary learning pathways,' it added.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Skills ministry launches AI programme for school students
The ministry of skills development and entrepreneurship, on Tuesday, launched a national level initiative SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) aimed at embedding AI awareness and foundational skills among school students (classes 6–12) and building AI literacy among educators. 'The programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to AI education across geographies, thereby supporting the national agenda of inclusive, future-ready skilling,' the ministry said in a statement issued to mark the 10 years of Skill India Mission . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category SOAR comprises three progressive 15-hour modules for students—AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire—and one independent 45-hour module for teachers titled AI for educators. The program introduces concepts such as AI basics, generative AI, AI in daily life, programming fundamentals, ethics, cybersecurity and future career opportunities. On the occasion, Jayant Chaudhary, minister of state (independent charge), MSDE, said his ministry, through the National Skills Development Corporation , has mobilised $14.4 million through Skill Impact Bond (SIB) to transform how skilling is financed, with a clear focus on employment outcomes. Live Events Besides, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) operationalized its advanced digital enterprise portal (DEP), officially named KaushalVerse and launched its revised comprehensive guidelines for the recognition and regulation of assessment agencies, 2025. 'This state-of-the-art platform has been developed to streamline and democratize the core regulatory functions of NCVET, ensuring efficient, transparent, and responsive service delivery in the skill ecosystem,' the ministry said. These guidelines mark a significant step forward ensuring standardized, transparent, and outcome-based assessment across the country, it added. Even the revised guidelines for the recognition and regulation of awarding bodies, 2025, were unveiled to align with the evolving education and employment ecosystem and the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF). 'These guidelines accentuate the integration of vocational education into mainstream systems, promoting flexible, multidisciplinary learning pathways,' it added.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Ministry of Skill Development rolls out SOAR programme to introduce AI learning in Classes 6 to 12
The Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, today launched SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), a national programme designed to embed AI awareness and foundational learning among school students from Classes 6 to 12. SOAR includes three progressive 15-hour modules for students titled AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire, and a 45-hour module for teachers titled AI for Educators. Addressing an event held in New Delhi, Minister Jayant Chaudhary said, India aspires to build the world's largest network of young learners actively engaging with artificial intelligence (AI). This vision includes school students not just learning about AI but applying it in meaningful, real-world contexts. He further added this would represent a significant step towards building a tech-driven, future-ready India. He also emphasised the government's long-term vision under 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and reiterated that India's skilling journey is central to national development. The programme covers topics like AI basics, generative AI, ethical use of technology, cybersecurity, and career pathways. The MSDE also operationalised KaushalVerse, the new Digital Enterprise Portal by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). The platform aims to streamline the regulatory framework in vocational training and make skill-related services more efficient and accessible. Another major launch was India's first and the world's largest outcomes-based development impact bond for skilling and employment—Skill Impact Bond (SIB). Led by MSDE through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the SIB has mobilised $14.4 million and aims to link skilling efforts more directly with employment outcomes The event also saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening public-private and international partnerships in skill development. One of the major agreements was signed between MSDE and the Government of the French Republic, focusing on collaboration in vocational education, joint curriculum development, Centres of Excellence, and cross-country training models. The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una will train 120 candidates in Electrical Technician and Software Programming roles under PMKVY 4.0, focusing on deep-tech and IT-ITeS sectors. IIT Hyderabad will train 280 candidates in Sangareddy, Telangana, in Electronics, Hydrocarbon, and Capital Goods sectors for job roles like CNC Programmer and AI–ML Engineer. IIT Patna will train 1,440 candidates in Patna, Bihar, across sectors like agriculture, green jobs, and healthcare. Job roles include EV Service Technician, AR/VR Engineer, and Elderly Caretaker. NIT Agartala will deliver training for 370 candidates in West Tripura in areas such as Automotive IoT, Bamboo Work Artisan, and AI–Data Science. RRU will conduct training in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for 240 candidates in job roles ranging from Yoga Wellness Trainer to Fire Safety Officer, combining digital and wellness-oriented skills. NSTI Mumbai signed an MoU with ICICI Foundation to support rural incubation and entrepreneurship through vocational training and project-based skilling. A series of Flexi MoUs were signed under the PMKVY institutional strengthening strategy with companies such as Dixon Technologies, Microsoft, and HCL, aimed at customising training in line with current industry requirements.
