New Delhi, July 23, 2025: India marked a decade of the Skill India Mission with an inspiring celebration at Bharat Mandapam, unveiling a range of AI-driven and youth-focused initiatives. The event showcased India’s transformation into a global skilling powerhouse, reinforcing its commitment to a future-ready workforce.
SOAR Initiative: AI Learning for School Students
The highlight of the celebration was the launch of SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), a national initiative to embed AI education in schools from Classes 6 to 12. With three 15-hour learning modules for students and a 45-hour module for educators, SOAR introduces AI basics, generative AI, cybersecurity, and career opportunities.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary said, “India’s youth will soon represent the world’s largest network of schoolchildren trained in AI. This is not just tech adoption—it’s leadership.”
Major Launches to Drive India’s Skilling Revolution
- IndiaSkills 2025–2026 Portal – Registrations now open for skill competitions.
- KaushalVerse Digital Portal – Streamlines vocational education regulations.
- Skill Impact Bond – Mobilized $14.4 million to fund results-based skilling.
- Employability Skills Handbook – Designed for school dropouts and non-literates.
- Revamped Apprenticeship Training Portal – Simplified UI for better access.
Bridging Skills and Education: The NEP 2020 Effect
Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar emphasized the integration of vocational learning through the National Education Policy 2020. “We’re seeing a generation of learners—especially girls—rise with confidence, creativity, and curiosity,” he said. The alignment of skills with education ensures students gain both knowledge and employability.
Global and Industry Partnerships via MoUs
India signed several MoUs to strengthen the skilling ecosystem:
- France – Vocational training exchange and joint curricula development.
- IIT Patna & Hyderabad – Advanced training in AI, CNC, and Green Jobs.
- IIIT Una, NIT Agartala, RRU – Industry-aligned courses across India.
- Apollo MedSkills – Healthcare skilling with a rural focus.
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou stated, “This partnership bridges two nations through skills that create dignity, growth, and global harmony.”
Real Impact Stories from the Ground
Participants from NIESBUD, PM Vishwakarma, and Skill Impact Bond shared personal success stories—women turned entrepreneurs, apprentices now working abroad, and ITI graduates driving rural innovation.
Six top-performing ITIs were also awarded, showcasing excellence in vocational education across states.
IndiaSkills 2025: Registration Open
The national registration portal for IndiaSkills 2025 is now live. Students, workers, and entrepreneurs can sign up to compete in skilling competitions at district, state, and national levels, aiming to represent India globally.
Looking Ahead to Viksit Bharat 2047
Minister Jitin Prasada stated, “Skilling is the remote that controls India’s future. Whether it’s climate resilience, cyber security, or AI, we’re investing in tomorrow.”
As India accelerates toward Viksit Bharat 2047, initiatives like SOAR and IndiaSkills promise to ensure no young Indian is left behind. The journey from vision to action to impact is well underway.
