As AI race hots up, govt moves to provide youth cutting-edge skills and create jobs | India News
Amid debates over the potential benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence, Centre has taken key decisions to advance AI skilling and job creation efforts under the ambitious IndiaAI Mission, including expanding the IndiaAI fellowship for candidates from diverse disciplines such as BA, BSc and MBA.
Extending graphics processing unit (GPU) access to candidates for AI applications to develop cutting-edge solutions and establishing 200 IndiaAI data labs in Tier 2 and 3 cities to offer foundational courses are also among the decisions taken recently.
According to QS World Future Skills Index, India ranks among the top nations in producing future-ready talent for AI-driven industries. The country produces 16% of the world’s AI talent, ranks first globally in AI skill penetration and has an AI market expected to grow at 25%–30% compound annual growth rate by 2027. This demographic advantage combined with strategic initiatives positions it to lead in AI development and deployment.
Officials from ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship and ministry of electronics and information technology, and other stakeholders in a recent meeting outlined the steps to address the growing demand for AI skills and leverage India’s unparalleled human resource advantage in AI. The mission’s seven pillars, including compute capacity, future skills and datasets platform, were also discussed.
The two ministries committed 200 data labs focusing on foundational AI and data science courses to be integrated with ITIs and polytechnics. Courses like ‘AI programming assistant’ and ‘basics of generative AI’ are already underway in some institutions.
Junior skill development and entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary told TOI, “The AI revolution is not just a technological leap; it’s a generational opportunity for India’s youth to lead on the global stage. Through IndiaAI Mission, we are empowering millions with cutting-edge skills, democratising access to AI infrastructure and encouraging innovations that will redefine global standards.”