The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has introduced a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) module for students in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), marking a transformative step in India’s vocational education landscape.
This new initiative, launched in collaboration with industry leaders IBM, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, aims to provide ITI students with practical experience in AI, helping to bridge the skill gap in this rapidly advancing field and significantly enhancing their employability. The AI module will be introduced across 3,000 ITIs, initially reaching an estimated 100,000 students in its first phase.
Spanning 12-16 hours, the AI module offers a comprehensive introduction to core topics such as the basics of AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. With a focus on hands-on projects and case studies relevant to real-world industry applications, the module is designed to equip students with foundational skills in AI. Faculty members across ITIs will undergo specialised training to ensure effective instruction, maximising the module's impact. IBM, one of the module’s collaborators, will provide AI-powered tools and educational resources, while Microsoft will share its expertise in the Azure AI platform. NVIDIA will contribute AI-enabled hardware and software support, creating an infrastructure conducive to immersive learning experiences.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, praised the AI module as a “revolutionary move” for India’s vocational training system, highlighting its potential to align ITI curricula with global industry trends. Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasised AI’s pivotal role in driving Industry 4.0 and acknowledged that this module will prepare ITI students for emerging job opportunities within this transformative era. He further noted that, as companies increasingly seek AI-skilled talent, India’s initiative to integrate AI into vocational training will position its workforce competitively in the global economy.
With the inclusion of AI education at the ITI level, India is setting a strong precedent in vocational upskilling, preparing its workforce for future industries while fostering a culture of innovation. This initiative not only responds to the growing demand for AI expertise but also ensures that vocational students are equipped with skills aligned with the technological shifts shaping the job market. By investing in AI skills development, the government aims to create a workforce adept in the technologies powering Industry 4.0, positioning India as a leader in the global digital economy. This initiative is expected to have a lasting impact, setting a new standard for skill development in emerging technologies.