India's AI dreams begin in schools with the SOAR programme

With technology and science having leaped to a phase of rapid enhancement and breakthrough in the modern world, a rising India has not been one to merely dream about it: rather, the nation has always been persuaded to bridge gaps between its diverse people on a level playing field. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to bring the country's education system in line with the quick-evolving technological advancements, has introduced the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) Programme- a nationwide initiative that aims to promote and solidify the concept of 'AI Literacy' among Class 6-12 students and educators. The program has been drafted for creating an AI-safe future for young India and thus nurturing critical thinking and analysis. This not only engages them in eradicating the digital divide but also works hand in hand for the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision through reflective learning.

Released in 2025, SOAR is not yet another syllabus revision- it is a groundbreaking attempt to mainstream AI education in the overall curriculum. The syllabus, with a focus on interactive and project-based learning for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and ethical sensitivity in AI usage, has been designed for state board students, CBSE, and Kendriya Vidyalaya schools.

Why SOAR, why now?

India's tech industry, already the global platform of scientific marvels and technical procedures, is undergoing an earthquake shift as AI is battling bravely in industries – from healthcare and farming to education and finance. However, the most substantial concern is the gap in skill sets. As per one report, by 2030, more than half of India's workforce will need to learn more about AI and digital technology.

With the advent of AI learning, SOAR will establish a solid foundation with students, making them more than mere passive users but active creators of and contributors to digital content.

What is SOAR all about?

For the purpose of providing students with a hands-on and experiential education, SOAR introduces them to basic AI concepts like machine learning, natural language processing and neural networks through storytelling, gamified modules and case studies. On an expert level, there would be hands-on practice in coding, data analysis and even chatbot development through interactive workshops. Above all, it acquaints the students with ethical considerations – not just do they study how AI works, but how it needs to be utilized for the betterment of oneself and the nation. Hence, the formation of AI clubs and labs is the need of the times.

The program consists of three modules of 15 hours each, i.e., AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire for students. 'AI for Educators', a professional learning module of 45 hours, has been created in order to equip educators with the knowledge and skills that are required for leading students through their AI learning experience.

MSDE has secured funding amounting to a whopping $14.4 million in a Skill Impact Bond (SIB) which is an evidence-based training funding mechanism established with the responsibility of driving multi-stakeholder uptake and measurable outcomes.

With SOAR, came 'KaushalVerse', Government of India business digital portal which makes education, testing and communication skills-based easy. Students from all institutes and locations will have access to free study material and test their own improvements, making SOAR more robust in the bargain.

The Skill India, coupled with 'Viksit Bharat 2047', brings hope in transforming India as a technologically based nation in the coming future, with the SOAR positioning the Indian youth as the focal point of the world's future innovations and extensions.

SOAR has also been piloted in over 10,000 schools across the country and is already seeing plain positive results with students having a keen interest in studying AI. The government would like to roll this out to other schools in the nation by 2027.