MSDE's AI and Emerging Technology Skilling Initiatives
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has implemented comprehensive skilling programs under the Skill India Mission, delivering skill, re-skill, and up-skill training through various schemes including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
PMKVY 4.0, implemented since FY 2022-23, places special emphasis on future skills and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Data Analytics, Cyber Security, and Green Technologies. The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has developed 170 NSQF-compliant courses, including 32 new-age/Future Skills courses in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Robotics, Cyber Security, and Green Skills.
Training Statistics
Under PMKVY 4.0 (2022-23 to 2026-27 up to 30.06.2026), significant training numbers have been achieved across states:
- Uttar Pradesh: 103,182 candidates trained
- Madhya Pradesh: 78,141 candidates trained
- Rajasthan: 88,286 candidates trained
- Punjab: 38,572 candidates trained
- Karnataka: 32,920 candidates trained
Under CTS/ITIs (2019-2025), the program has shown substantial growth:
- Telangana: 17,471 candidates trained (with 11,629 in 2025 alone)
- Tamil Nadu: 20,868 candidates trained
- Uttar Pradesh: 15,324 candidates trained
- Maharashtra: 5,424 candidates trained
- Karnataka: 17,771 candidates trained
Under NAPS (Apprentices engaged from 2019-20 to 2026-27):
- Maharashtra: 8,822 apprentices engaged
- Gujarat: 3,970 apprentices engaged
- Karnataka: 2,999 apprentices engaged
- Uttar Pradesh: 1,244 apprentices engaged
- Tamil Nadu: 1,687 apprentices engaged
Structural Initiatives for Employability
The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has been established as an overarching regulator to ensure quality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Thirty-six Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), led by industry leaders, identify skill development needs and determine competency standards. DGT implements Flexi MoU Scheme and Dual System of Training to provide ITI students with industrial environment training.
DGT has signed MoUs with IT companies including IBM, CISCO, Microsoft, and AWS to ensure industry linkages at state and regional levels. Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) established at Ahmedabad and Mumbai in Public Private Partnership mode provide industry-ready workforce training with cutting-edge technology.
Major Investment: PM-SETU Scheme
The government has launched PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) with an investment of ₹60,000 crore. The scheme envisages upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs across the country in a hub-and-spoke model comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs, focusing on improving employability outcomes through industry-led governance.
Skill Gap Assessment and Alignment
Skill Gap studies are conducted to assess industry demand and employability of trained candidates, guiding government interventions. Sector Skill Councils have undertaken skill gap studies across sectors including Electronics, Logistics, and Advance Manufacturing. The SANKALP scheme supported a National Skill Gap Study by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) that provided a standardized framework to assess skill gaps across seven high-growth sectors including computer programming activities under the IT sector.