New Skills Initiative Boosts AI and Drone Training in India
The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme is significantly enhancing the skillsets of learners across India. This structured skill development initiative focuses on fostering personal, professional, and workplace readiness among participants. With an emphasis on core competencies such as communication, critical thinking, digital literacy, and behavioral skills, the SOAR programme employs curated modules and practical engagement to equip students and educators with the knowledge necessary to thrive in tech-driven work environments.
Collaborating with industry leaders like Microsoft, HCL Technologies, and NASSCOM, the SOAR initiative offers a variety of courses aimed at building foundational and applied AI skills. As of December 7, 2025, impressive numbers demonstrate the initiative’s reach:
SOAR Course Enrollment and Certification
A breakdown of the courses offered under the SOAR programme shows that thousands of students and educators have participated:
- Microsoft: SOAR courses like AI to Acquire and AI for Educators have engaged over 24,000 learners.
- HCL Technologies: Engaged nearly 60,000 individuals with their various offerings. The AI to Aspire course stands out with 17,472 enrolled participants.
- NASSCOM: Contributed to raising AI awareness, with thousands enrolled across various courses.
The total numbers reveal that 28,154 learners have completed the ‘AI to be Aware’ course alone, reflecting a significant push towards AI knowledge in education.
Empowering Agricultural Innovations
In addition to SOAR, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme. This initiative represents a commitment to integrating advanced technology into agriculture, ultimately boosting efficiency, crop yields, and reducing operational costs. By empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to serve as drone service providers, the programme aims to enhance their income and support livelihoods.
Further, the government is training candidates in drone-related roles through the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0). The number of trainees showcases significant engagement:
- Drone Manufacturing and Assembly Technician: 8,108 skilled candidates, including 2,576 women.
- Drone Operator: 187 trained, with 18 females.
- Kisan Drone Operator: Empowering farmers with 2,909 trained individuals.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The Indian government continuously reviews these skilling initiatives, focusing on enrolment, certification, and the effectiveness of training programs. Regular assessments ensure that the SOAR and drone-related courses remain relevant to industry demands and technological advancements.
Recent evaluations revealed a measurable increase in employment rates for candidates who completed short-term training through the PMKVY, along with a significant boost in their monthly incomes. Such outcomes guide the ongoing refinement of skill development programmes to better serve future workforce needs.
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