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Home India Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Notifications AI-Based Training and Skill Development Initiative... (Official PDF)
Date: 10th August 2026 Category: Press Release Jurisdiction: India, Central Government

AI-Based Training and Skill Development Initiatives

Issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on 10th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.

Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

Executive Summary This report details the Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and skilling initiatives launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through NCVET, DGT, and PMKVY 4.0. As of mid-2026, the programs have successfully trained over 50,000 candidates in AI-specific roles and enrolled nearly 500,000 learners in literacy programs. Key focus areas include expanding inclusive access to rural regions and establishing industry partnerships with Microsoft and the Edunet Foundation to align training with market demand.

Key Points / Main Content

Regulatory Framework and Standards

  • NCVET Qualifications: 116 NSQF-aligned qualifications and Micro-Credentials have been established, covering domains like Generative AI, LLMs, Prompt Engineering, and AI Ethics.
  • Curriculum Revision: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has revised the compulsory Employability Skills curriculum to include AI and Green Skills modules.

Primary Skilling Schemes

  • PMKVY 4.0: A demand-driven scheme offering training in AI-enabled job roles across IT-ITES, Telecom, and Life Sciences. As of June 30, 2026, 53,449 candidates were trained and 25,466 were certified.
  • Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR): An online, self-paced literacy program delivered via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). It has reached 496,426 enrolled learners and 98,576 certified individuals as of July 22, 2026.
  • Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS): 32 "New-Age" courses have been introduced in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), including specialized trades like AI Programming Assistant and Data Annotation Assistant.

Strategic Partnerships and Infrastructure

  • Industry Collaboration: MSDE has partnered with Microsoft and Edunet Foundation to implement the Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA) course at 23 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) for the 2025-26 session.
  • Inclusive Reach: Training delivery is decentralized through a network of AICTE-affiliated colleges, ITIs, PMKKs, and NIELIT centers to reach rural, semi-urban, and aspirational districts.

Impact Analysis

Students and Youth Impact Learners gain access to nationally recognized, credit-linked AI competencies and new-age vocational trades. The flexible, online nature of programs like SOAR allows youth in rural and underserved areas to acquire high-tech skills. Action Required Interested candidates should enroll in AI-related trades through ITIs/NSTIs or register for self-paced courses on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

Industry and Sector Skill Councils Impact Industries benefit from a workforce trained in specific, demand-aligned roles such as Data Quality Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Business Intelligence Analysts. Action Required Maintain active consultation with MSDE to identify evolving workforce requirements and ensure job roles remain aligned with technological advancements.

Educational and Vocational Institutions (ITIs/NSTIs) Impact Institutions are seeing a significant increase in intake capacity and enrollment for new-age courses; for example, the AIPA course capacity is expanding to 600 seats for the 2025-26 session. Action Required Institutes must implement the revised curriculum and facilitate the industry-partnered courses (e.g., Microsoft/Edunet) to meet the growing demand for AI vocational training.

Key Entities Referenced

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE): The primary ministry responsible for initiating and overseeing multiple AI-based training, skilling, and entrepreneurship programs across sectors. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0: A flagship scheme providing training in AI and AI-enabled job roles across various sectors including IT-ITES, Telecom, and Life Sciences. Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR): An initiative launched to promote AI literacy and provide NSQF-aligned foundational and application-oriented AI courses to learners and educators. National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET): The regulatory body that governs the ecosystem of NSQF-aligned qualifications, standards, and micro-credentials related to AI and Machine Learning. Directorate General of Training (DGT): The department responsible for integrating AI into vocational training through courses at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and industry partnerships with entities like Microsoft.
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Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship AI-Based Training and Skill Development Initiatives प्रव तथ: 10 AUG 2026 5:21PM by PIB Delhi 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 isdelivered 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 S. No. Trade Name 1 5G Network Technician 2 Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician 3 Aeronautical Structure and Equipment Fitter 4 Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant 5 Advance CNC Machining Technician 6 Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Programmer 7 Cyber Security Assistant 8 Data Annotation Assistant 9 Drone Pilot (Junior)S. No. Trade Name 10 Drone Technician 11 Engineering Design Technician (Artisan Using Advanced Tool) 12 Fiber to Home Technician 13 Geo Informatics Assistant 14 Green Hydrogen Production Technician 15 Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Technician 16 Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing 17 Information Technology 18 Internet of Things Technician (Smart Agriculture) 19 Internet of Things Technician (Smart City) 20 Internet of Things Technician (Smart Healthcare) 21 Manufacturing Process Control & Automation 22 Mechanic Electric Vehicle 23 Multimedia, Animation & Special Effects 24 Semiconductor Technician 25 Small Hydro Power Plant Technician 26 Smartphone Technician Cum App Tester 27 Software Testing Assistant 28 Solar Technician (Electrical) 29 Technician Mechatronics 30 Virtual Analysis and Designer - FEM (Basic Designer and Virtual Verifier)S. No. Trade Name 31 Wind Plant Technician 32 Nuclear Power Plant Technician ANNEXURE-II Trade-wise Enrolment in ITIs/NSTIs under CTS in New-Age Courses, 2021 to 2025 Trade Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Additive Manufacturing Technician Three D 15 86 159 135 243 Printing Advanced CNC Machining Technician 608 1,568 3,277 3,761 6,280 Aeronautical Structure and Equipment Fitter 0 39 80 84 80 Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant 0 0 0 381 512 Artisan Using Advanced Tool 85 28 27 819 2,018 Basic Designer and Virtual Verifier 105 78 572 1,055 2,547 (Mechanical) Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) 0 0 0 192 249 Programmer Drone Pilot (Junior) 0 0 363 188 203 Drone Technician 0 0 275 270 326 Fibre to Home Technician 0 8 18 0 0 Geo Informatics Assistant 8 23 109 113 121 Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing 650 956 3,624 4,548 7,481 Technician Information Technology 456 562 798 662 1,018 IoT Technician (Smart Agriculture) 99 97 140 198 246 IoT Technician (Smart City) 86 86 351 370 576Trade Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 IoT Technician (Smart Healthcare) 115 127 220 284 305 Manufacturing Process Control and 92 72 1,417 2,996 5,439 Automation Mechanic Electric Vehicle 1,696 2,823 4,318 4,934 7,614 Multimedia Animation & Special Effects 326 370 466 349 387 Semiconductor Technician 0 0 0 0 31 Small Hydro Power Plant Technician 0 0 0 0 19 Smartphone Technician Cum App Tester 77 292 355 290 330 Software Testing Assistant 0 0 0 124 156 Solar Technician (Electrical) 333 1,054 2,280 2,734 5,750 Technician Mechatronics 267 342 317 404 407 Grand Total 5,018 8,611 19,166 24,891 42,338 ANNEXURE-III List of NSTIs Offering AI Programming Assistant Course - Intake Capacity 2025-26 Institute Name (Trade: Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant) Intake Capacity 2025- 26 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Allahabad 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Bangalore 48 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Hyderabad 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Indore 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Jaipur 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Kolkata 24Institute Name (Trade: Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant) Intake Capacity 2025- 26 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Mumbai 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Noida 48 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Patna 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Trivandrum 24 National Skill Training Institute (Women), Vadodara 24 National Skill Training Institute, Bangalore 24 National Skill Training Institute, Bhubaneswar 24 National Skill Training Institute, Calicut 24 National Skill Training Institute, Chennai 24 National Skill Training Institute, Haldwani 24 National Skill Training Institute, Howrah 24 National Skill Training Institute, Jodhpur 24 National Skill Training Institute, Kanpur 24 National Skill Training Institute, Ludhiana 24 National Skill Training Institute, Mumbai 24 National Skill Training Institute - Ramanthapur, Hyderabad 24 National Skill Training Institute Extension Centre, Srinagar 24 Total 600 ANNEXURE-IV AI Job Roles Wise Skilling - PMKVY 4.0Job Role Enrolled Trained/Oriented Assessed Certified A.I (Artificial Intelligence) - 162 162 37 35 Technocrat AI - Business Intelligence Analyst 3,215 2,731 1,761 1,494 AI - Data Architect 2,820 1,397 925 862 AI - Data Engineer 1,524 1,265 756 595 AI - Data Quality Analyst 15,469 7,266 5,536 4,936 AI - Data Scientist 4,683 3,951 2,887 2,634 AI Database Administrator 7,059 6,158 4,291 3,601 AI - DevOps Engineer 4,962 4,369 3,798 3,573 AI - Machine learning Developer 28 28 0 0 AI - Machine Learning Engineer 8,986 7,796 6,068 5,572 AI - Solution Architect 337 241 137 115 AI & ML - Jr. Telecom Data Analyst 345 254 196 180 AI Development Associate 60 59 57 52 AI Devices Installation Operator 165 165 87 85 AI Foundation 78 78 76 65 AI Machine Learning Analyst 62 8 0 0 Artificial Intelligence Assistant 662 445 85 81 Artificial Intelligence Associate 49 49 0 0 Foundation of Artificial Intelligence 1,267 1,226 332 301 TechnologyJob Role Enrolled Trained/Oriented Assessed Certified Pharmacovigilance Case- Processing 1,516 1,456 1,316 1,285 (Incidents /adverse event using software including AI tools) Total 53,449 39,104 28,345 25,466 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. *** SH (रलीज़ आईडी: 2297199) आगंतुक पटल : 722 इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , ही

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