India set to spearhead the largest AI-ready educational institution as part of the Skill India Mission in 2025, under the name BharatSkillNxt.
India has embarked on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a world leader in AI-powered education, with the next six months being crucial to realizing this goal. The Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, announced that India aims to become home to the world's largest network of school students actively using and applying artificial intelligence (AI) within the next six months.
To achieve this, the Ministry has launched the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) program. This national initiative, introduced in July 2025, aims to integrate AI awareness and foundational skills into school education for students from Classes 6 to 12 and AI literacy training for educators.
The objectives of the SOAR program are manifold. It seeks to embed AI awareness through three progressive 15-hour modules for students called *AI to be Aware*, *AI to Acquire*, and *AI to Aspire*. A 45-hour module for teachers, *AI for Educators*, is also provided to build AI literacy among educators.
The program introduces foundational AI concepts such as machine learning, generative AI, neural networks, natural language processing, programming fundamentals, ethical use of AI, cybersecurity, and career pathways related to AI. It encourages the application of AI in meaningful, real-world contexts and fosters inclusive and equitable AI education across geographies to bridge the digital divide.
SOAR supports the creation of India’s largest AI-ready school network, making the country a global leader in AI education at the school level. It aligns with the national 'Skill India Mission' and complements other digital skilling initiatives like KaushalVerse to streamline vocational training and enhance skill development infrastructure.
By building foundational AI skills early, SOAR aims to ensure that India’s future workforce is capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving AI-powered economy, contributing to national development goals and digital empowerment. The program promotes early AI exposure starting at the middle school level, ensuring students develop AI literacy well before higher education or college.
The impact of SOAR on the education system and the future workforce is significant. It prepares students for emerging jobs and entrepreneurship in AI-driven sectors by emphasizing real-world application and ethical AI use. Teachers receive dedicated training, enhancing their ability to teach AI concepts effectively and fostering sustained AI engagement in schools.
The SOAR program represents a significant step towards integrating AI education in India’s school curriculum, equipping students and teachers with AI knowledge and skills to foster a future-ready, technologically capable generation aligned with India’s broader objectives for innovation, employment, and inclusive development.
This initiative is part of India's efforts to move closer to a "Viksit Bharat 2047," a long-term national vision to build a tech-driven, future-ready workforce. A landmark agreement with the French government was signed to foster joint curricula, Centres of Excellence, and innovation-driven training. The plan will ensure that India's youth take center stage in the global tech scene.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, stated that the introduction signifies a conceptual shift in India's educational system, where vocational skills and AI literacy are being ingrained from early schooling. The plan to mainstream AI education in India represents a significant advancement in India's educational landscape.
Education and skill development initiatives are proven to be the cornerstones of India's economic transformation. The success stories from beneficiaries of prominent programs like NAPS, NIESBUD, PM Vishwakarma, Skill Impact Bond, etc., were shared at the event. The NCVET's KaushalVerse Digital Enterprise Portal, Assessment Agencies, and Apprenticeship Training Portal were also introduced.
In conclusion, the SOAR program marks a significant stride towards integrating AI education in India’s school curriculum, preparing students and teachers for a future-ready, technologically capable generation aligned with India’s broader objectives for innovation, employment, and inclusive development.
- The SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) program, launched in July 2025, plans to integrate AI literacy training for educators and AI awareness into school education for students from Classes 6 to 12, aiming to establish India as the world's largest AI-powered education network.
- With the SOAR program, India seeks to develop a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in an AI-powered economy, integrating AI education into its school curriculum, and fostering a generation equipped with AI knowledge and skills, aligning with the national 'Skill India Mission' and moving closer towards a "Viksit Bharat 2047."
