The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has implemented comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and skilling initiatives through its affiliated bodies including the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Directorate General of Training (DGT), and under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 scheme.
The NCVET-regulated ecosystem currently features 116 NSQF-aligned and NSQC-approved Qualifications, National Occupational Standards (NOSs), and Micro-Credentials covering AI and Machine Learning domains. These include specialized areas 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.
Under PMKVY 4.0, AI training is delivered across multiple sectors including IT-ITES, Telecom, and Life Sciences, with job roles developed in consultation with industry and Sector Skill Councils. As of June 30, 2026, the program has trained/oriented 53,449 candidates and certified 25,466 candidates in AI-related job roles. The training network includes AICTE-affiliated colleges, private universities/colleges, engineering colleges, ITIs, NIELIT centers, PMKKs, Skill Universities, Institutes of National Importance, and State Government universities/colleges.
The Directorate General of Training has integrated AI into vocational education through multiple pathways: a one-year Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant course, a 240-hour Generative AI course, and a 7.5-hour AI micro-credential for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) trainees. The compulsory Employability Skills curriculum has been revised to include AI and Green Skills modules.
The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) initiative, launched by NCVET, promotes AI literacy through four foundational courses that have expanded to 50 AI and AI-application-oriented NSQF-aligned courses. These courses cover AI for jobs, workplace productivity, sector-specific applications, and inclusivity, delivered through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) by NCVET-recognized Awarding Bodies. As of July 22, 2026, SOAR has achieved 496,426 learner enrollments and 98,576 certifications.
DGT has established industry partnerships with Microsoft and the Edunet Foundation to implement the Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA) course under the Craftsmen Training Scheme. The program was implemented at 19 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in 2024-25 with an intake capacity of 504, and expanded to 23 NSTIs in 2025-26 with an intake capacity of 600.
The initiatives emphasize inclusive access, with SOAR designed as fully online, self-paced courses enabling participation from rural and semi-urban areas. PMKVY 4.0 training has been extended to rural, semi-urban, aspirational, and underserved districts, covering emerging technologies including AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, IoT, Drones, Semiconductors, Electric Vehicles, Green Hydrogen, Renewable Energy, Robotics, and 5G Technologies.
Enrollment data shows significant growth in new-age courses at ITIs/NSTIs under the Craftsmen Training Scheme, with total enrollment increasing from 5,018 in 2021 to 42,338 in 2025. Specific AI-related trades show substantial growth: Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant enrollment grew from 381 in 2024 to 512 in 2025, while Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing enrollment increased from 650 in 2021 to 7,481 in 2025.
The Annexure-IV provides detailed job role-wise skilling data under PMKVY 4.0, showing that AI - Machine Learning Engineer has the highest enrollment at 8,986 candidates, followed by AI - Data Quality Analyst at 15,469 enrollments. The certification rates vary by job role, with AI - DevOps Engineer achieving 3,573 certifications from 4,962 enrollments, and AI - Data Scientist achieving 2,634 certifications from 4,683 enrollments.
The Ministry noted that while a specific assessment of demand for AI-related skills and current workforce gap has not been conducted, all schemes are designed on a demand-driven and industry-aligned basis.