Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), through National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Directorate General of Training (DGT) and under PMKVY 4.0, has initiated multiple programmes for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based training and skilling across sectors:

1. Under the NCVET-regulated ecosystem, 116 NSQF-aligned and NSQC-approved Qualifications, National Occupational Standards (NOSs) and Micro-Credentials relating to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are presently in place, covering domains such as Generative AI, Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Prompt Engineering, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Robotics and Automation, AI Security, AI Ethics, AI Governance, and sector-specific AI applications.

2. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, training is imparted in AI and AI-enabled job roles across sectors such as IT-ITES, Telecom and Life Sciences, with job roles developed in consultation with industry and Sector Skill Councils. As of 30.06.2026 under PMKVY 4.0, 53,449 candidates been trained/oriented and 25,466 candidates certified in AI related job roles.

3. The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced AI into vocational training through the Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (1-year) course, a 240-hour Generative AI course, and a 7.5-hour AI micro-credential for trainees in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). The compulsory Employability Skills curriculum has also been revised to include modules on AI and Green Skills. A list of 32 new-age courses introduced across ITIs/NSTIs, including AI-related trades, is at Annexure-I, with trade-wise enrolment for the period 2021-2025 at Annexure-II.

The schemes, partnerships and platforms developed to impart AI-related skills are as under. A specific assessment of demand for AI-related skills and the current workforce gap has not been done; the schemes below are, however, designed on a demand-driven and industry-aligned basis, as indicated against each:

1. Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR): Launched by NCVET to promote AI literacy, initially with four foundational courses - AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, AI to Aspire and AI for Educators - subsequently expanded to 50 AI and AI-application-oriented NSQF-aligned courses covering AI for jobs, workplace productivity, sector-specific applications and inclusivity. Courses are delivered through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) by NCVET-recognised Awarding Bodies.

2. PMKVY 4.0: Designed as a demand-driven, industry-aligned scheme, with training programmes and job roles identified in consultation with industry and Sector Skill Councils to address evolving workforce requirements in emerging technologies. AI-related training is delivered through a network of AICTE-affiliated colleges, private universities/colleges, engineering colleges, ITIs, NIELIT centres, PMKKs, Skill Universities, Institutes of National Importance, and State Government universities/colleges.

3. DGT: Industry partnerships: In collaboration with Microsoft and the Edunet Foundation, the Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA) course under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) was implemented at 19 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in the 2024-25 session (intake capacity 504), and extended to 23 NSTIs in 2025-26 (intake capacity 600). Institute-wise details are at Annexure-III.

Steps taken to ensure inclusive access to AI-based training are as below:

1. SOAR has been designed for inclusive access through fully online, self-paced courses delivered on SIDH, enabling youth, educators and other learners - including those from rural and semi-urban areas - to acquire nationally recognized, NSQF-aligned and credit-linked AI competencies through a flexible digital learning mode. As on 22.07.2026, a total of 4,96,426 learners have enrolled and 98,576 learners have been certified under the SOAR courses available on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

2. PMKVY 4.0 training has been extended to rural, semi-urban, aspirational and underserved districts, covering AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, IoT, Drones, Semiconductors, Electric Vehicles, Green Hydrogen, Renewable Energy, Robotics and 5G Technologies, delivered through a wide network of training institutions across States and Union Territories. As of 30.06.2026 under PMKVY 4.0, 53,449 candidates been trained/oriented and 25,466 candidates certified in AI related job roles. Details are kept at Annexure IV.

ANNEXURE-I
List of 32 New-Age Courses (including AI-related trades) under Craftsmen Training Scheme

ANNEXURE-II

Trade-wise Enrolment in ITIs/NSTIs under CTS in New-Age Courses, 2021 to 2025

 

ANNEXURE-III

List of NSTIs Offering AI Programming Assistant Course - Intake Capacity 2025-26

ANNEXURE-IV

AI Job Roles Wise Skilling - PMKVY 4.0

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Shri Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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SH

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