On July 15, 2023, coinciding with World Youth Skills Day, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched the AI for India 2.0 Programme, a free online training initiative aimed at equipping India’s youth with foundational skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
The programme is a joint effort between Skill India and GUVI, an ed-tech startup incubated by IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, and is accredited by NCVET and IIT Madras.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who presided over the launch, emphasized the importance of making technology education accessible in Indian languages, stating that “technology should not be a prisoner of language”.
AI for India 2.0 Programme Objectives and Structure
The AI for India 2.0 Programme was designed with three core objectives:
- Free access to AI and ML training through an online platform.
- Vernacular accessibility, with content available in nine Indian languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.
- Targeted outreach to college students, fresh graduates, and early-career professionals, especially from rural and non-English-speaking backgrounds.
The curriculum includes expert-curated Python programming courses, which serve as a gateway to understanding AI concepts.
Participants who complete the course and attend the virtual event receive a certificate of completion jointly issued by the Government of India and GUVI.
Breaking Language Barriers in Tech Education
One of the programme’s most notable features is its vernacular-first approach, which aims to dismantle the language barrier that often limits access to emerging technologies.
By offering training in nine regional languages, the initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide and make AI education inclusive for learners from diverse linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Dharmendra highlighted that this approach is especially critical for empowering youth in rural areas, where English proficiency may be limited but interest in technology is growing rapidly.
AI for India 2.0: National Recognition and Future Impact
The programme has received national accreditation, ensuring that the skills acquired are recognized across educational and professional institutions.
It supports India’s broader objectives under the Skill India Mission.
The initiative also complements programmes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which focus on enhancing employability through vocational training.
The government is integrating AI into the broader skill development ecosystem. This effort aims to prepare India’s youth for active participation in the global digital economy.
The programme also supports the vision of Education 4.0, which advocates for the inclusion of cutting-edge technologies in mainstream learning.
Tech Platform and Delivery Model
GUVI, the tech platform powering the programme, specializes in delivering vernacular tech education.
It uses Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) and interactive modules to ensure high engagement and retention.
The platform also offers internship opportunities for top performers, further enhancing career readiness.
The successful execution of the programme will shape future digital learning initiatives.
It encourages public-private collaborations that focus on inclusive tech education.
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