India has taken a decisive step towards preparing its next generation for an AI-powered future with the launch of the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) program by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The initiative, designed for students from classes 6 to 12 as well as teachers, aims to bridge the growing skill gap in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
Under the program, students will learn the fundamentals of AI through stories, games, and case studies, progressing to advanced activities such as coding, data analysis, and chatbot creation. Ethics will remain a core element, ensuring responsible use of AI. The framework includes three 15-hour modules for students and a 45-hour “AI for Educators” module for teachers. The project has already been piloted in 10,000 schools, with $14.4 million raised through Skill Impact Bonds to expand its reach.
In Guwahati, the SOAR program is seen as a transformative push. With Assam’s growing IT and startup ecosystem, local stakeholders believe AI training in schools will create a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the state’s digital economy, while also generating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. The government plans to implement SOAR nationwide by 2027, positioning India as a global hub of technological innovation and aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
