Skill India is expanding to include AI courses for Classes 6-12, equipping Bharat’s youth with industry-relevant knowledge. Read the full update on initiatives, progress, and future roadmaps.
Introduction
The Government of India’s flagship Skill India Mission, launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), is now making headlines again. The latest announcement to introduce AI courses for students from Class 6 to 12 aims to build future-ready citizens, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat driven by technological excellence.
H2: What is Skill India?
Skill India is a nationwide campaign launched to train over 40 crore people in different skills by 2022 (initial target) to meet the demand of various industries. Its scope covers:
Short-term skill development courses
Apprenticeship training
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Industry collaborations for advanced vocational education
H3: Key Schemes Under Skill India
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Flagship scheme providing free skill training to youth with certification.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): Encourages apprenticeship by sharing stipends with employers.
Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP): World Bank-supported program to strengthen institutional mechanisms.
STRIVE: Industry-based skill strengthening for rapid economic growth.
Bharat Skills Portal: Centralised digital platform for learning resources, assessments, and certifications.
H2: New AI Courses for Classes 6-12 – A Game Changer
As reported by Indian Express, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has announced plans to roll out AI courses in schools from Classes 6 to 12, in collaboration with industry partners and educational institutions. This move is aligned with:
NEP 2020 recommendations to integrate coding and AI from early stages.
Preparing students for emerging job roles in AI, Data Science, ML, and Robotics.
Reducing the digital divide by introducing AI literacy in government and rural schools.
Pilot Programme Rollout
Over 5,000 schools across multiple states will begin pilot AI curriculum by 2025-26 academic year.
Teachers to undergo capacity building workshops with industry experts.
Content modules include basics of AI, ethical AI use, data visualisation, and AI in daily life applications.
H3: Bharat Skills – The Backbone Digital Platform
Bharat Skills portal, managed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE, offers:
Free online learning resources for ITI students and trainers
Question banks, e-books, video tutorials, and assessments
Courses aligned with NCVT syllabus and global industry standards
Fact: During COVID-19 lockdowns, Bharat Skills witnessed a 60% spike in usage, proving its relevance as an e-learning backbone for vocational education.
H2: Industry Collaboration and Future of Skill India
Major Partners
Microsoft India: AI and cloud training for ITI students
Cisco: Networking Academy for digital skills
IBM: STEM and AI education initiatives
Google: Career readiness and digital marketing courses
Future Targets
Upskilling 1 crore youth in AI and digital technologies by 2030
Bridging rural-urban skill gaps through targeted e-learning
Increasing women’s participation in advanced technology roles
H3: Challenges Ahead
While Skill India has transformed many lives, experts point out:
The need for consistent quality training across centres
Enhancing employability linkages with industries
Updating trainers with rapidly evolving tech tools
FAQ
Q1. What is Skill India?
Ans: A Government initiative to train millions of Indians in industry-relevant skills, enhancing employability and entrepreneurship.
Q2. Which classes will AI courses be introduced for?
Ans: Classes 6 to 12 across select schools under MSDE’s new pilot initiative.
Q3. What is Bharat Skills?
Ans: A digital learning platform offering e-learning resources for ITI students and trainers under DGT, MSDE.
Q4. Who are the key partners in Skill India’s AI integration?
Ans: Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, and Google are major partners facilitating AI and digital skills training.
Helpful Resources
Conclusion
The Skill India Mission, now embracing AI education for school students, continues its transformative journey to empower Bharat’s youth with future-ready skills. This integration of emerging technologies at the school level can revolutionise the education-to-employment pipeline, ensuring India’s demographic dividend yields maximum economic growth in coming decades.
