Overview of SOAR Initiative
The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) program, launched in July 2025 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), is a strategic effort to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into India’s education system. Targeting students from classes 6 to 12 and educators, SOAR aims to build a future-ready India by fostering AI literacy and skills in a rapidly digitizing world. The program aligns with the 10-year milestone of the Skill India Mission, enhancing skilling initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 to prepare youth for AI-driven industries.
Key Objectives of SOAR
Promoting AI Awareness
SOAR introduces foundational AI concepts, such as machine learning basics and ethical AI use, to spark curiosity among students and prepare them for technology-driven careers. For educators, it offers specialized training to integrate AI into curricula, ensuring alignment with industry demands.
Supporting Economic Self-Reliance
By equipping youth with skills for high-demand sectors like IT and digital innovation, SOAR supports India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The initiative enhances employability and entrepreneurship through targeted skilling under schemes like PMKVY 4.0.
Building a Tech-Driven Future
SOAR’s long-term goal is to position India as a global AI leader by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals in AI development, data analytics, and tech innovation, fostering a robust ecosystem of AI-literate students and educators.
AI in India’s Education Landscape
Integration into School Curriculum
Following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, AI has been incorporated into school curricula to promote innovation and digital literacy. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced AI as a subject for Class IX in 2019-2020 and Class XI in 2020-2021, focusing on practical applications like personalized learning tools.
Centre of Excellence in AI
The Union Budget 2025-26 allocates ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI for education. This center will advance AI-driven learning, support Indian languages, and promote critical thinking, transitioning classrooms from traditional methods to technology-driven approaches.
AI in Skill India Mission
AI and digital learning are embedded in the Skill India Mission through initiatives like PMKVY 4.0, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2), and the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). As of June 2025, 1,480 apprentices have been trained in AI-related roles like AI Data Engineer and Machine Learning Engineer under NAPS-2 between FY 2022-23 and FY 2025-26.
Visual Insights
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India
Expected Outcomes of SOAR
Alignment with Skill India Mission
SOAR provides targeted 15-hour modules for students and a 45-hour module for educators, enhancing digital skills and employability in AI-driven sectors.
Contribution to Viksit Bharat
The program supports India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047 by fostering a tech-savvy workforce, boosting innovation, and enhancing global competitiveness.
Promoting Digital Inclusion
Through platforms like the Skill India Digital Hub, SOAR bridges the urban-rural digital divide, ensuring equitable access to AI training across diverse communities.
Empowering AI-Aware Students and Educators
SOAR aims to create AI-aware students capable of ethical AI application and train educators to enhance teaching methodologies, ensuring widespread AI adoption in classrooms.
Boosting AI Career Interest
By offering hands-on skilling, SOAR encourages youth to pursue AI careers, narrowing the urban-rural gap in digital competencies and enabling access to high-demand tech skills.
Conclusion
The SOAR program is a transformative step toward making India a global leader in AI-driven education and workforce development. By integrating AI literacy into schools and vocational training, SOAR equips students and educators with cutting-edge skills, fostering innovation and ethical technology use. Through partnerships and accessible platforms, it ensures inclusivity, empowering India’s youth to drive technological and economic progress, aligning with the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.
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