TRAINING AND RETENTION RATE FOR WOMEN IN AI SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0) to provide skill development training, including AI-related courses. An independent third-party evaluation of PMKVY 4.0 indicates balanced gender participation. A total of 19,613 women were trained in AI-related job roles under PMKVY 4.0 as of December 31, 2025. **Key Points / Main Content** * **PMKVY 4.0 Implementation:** * MSDE is implementing PMKVY 4.0 for skill development through Short-Term Training (STT) and up-skilling/re-skilling via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). * PMKVY 4.0 focuses on futuristic and new-age courses, including AI. * **Evaluation Report Findings:** * An independent evaluation by AJNIFM assessed the effectiveness of PMKVY 4.0. * Women constitute 51.83% of surveyed beneficiaries, indicating balanced gender participation. * Dropouts mainly occur due to seasonal employment, migration, and personal reasons. * **Retention Improvement:** * Special provisions under the Common Norms have been introduced for women, Persons with Disabilities, and candidates from special areas, including boarding and lodging support, transport, and conveyance allowances. * A grievance redressal and feedback mechanism has been established via helplines and digital platforms to address trainee concerns. * **Women Trained in AI-Related Roles (as of 31.12.2025):** * AI - Business Intelligence Analyst: 1,197 * AI - Data Architect: 942 * AI - Data Engineer: 561 * AI - Data Quality Analyst: 4,294 * AI - Data Scientist: 1,985 * AI - Database Administrator: 3,508 * AI - DevOps Engineer: 2,144 * AI - Machine Learning Engineer: 3,808 * AI - Solution Architect: 77 * Pharmacovigilance Case- Processing (Incidents /adverse event using software including AI tools): 936 * AI & ML - Jr. Telecom Data Analyst: 84 * AI Devices Installation Operator: 77 * **Total:** 19,613 **Impact Analysis** **Women Trainees** * **Impact:** Increased access to AI skill development training, improving employability and career prospects in emerging technologies. * **Action Required:** Participate actively in training programs, utilize grievance redressal mechanisms for concerns, and leverage available support services. **MSDE** * **Impact:** Supports the achievement of skill development goals through PMKVY 4.0, particularly in AI-related fields. * **Action Required:** Continue implementing and monitoring PMKVY 4.0, adapting strategies based on evaluation reports and feedback. **Training Providers** * **Impact:** Required to adhere to the Common Norms and provide necessary support to women, Persons with Disabilities, and candidates from special areas. * **Action Required:** Implement the special provisions for women, Persons with Disabilities, and candidates from special areas, address trainee concerns through the grievance redressal mechanism, and maintain training standards.

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