President Murmu unveils ‘Skill the Nation Challenge’ to make India AI-savvy

She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, is enabling accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses for school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners.

Designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational, SOAR has already,over just last six months, reached more than 1.59 lakh learners across the country who have enrolled in the AI course, with thousands successfully completing certifications and building confidence in AI awareness, understanding and application.

Demonstrating leadership by example, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module, symbolising a commitment to lifelong learning and AI readiness.

He has further nominated Nara Lokesh Rao, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real-Time Governance and Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prasar Bharati, and Nitin Narang — President of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement for AI awareness and capability building.

Commenting on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said, “India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. Through the ‘Skill the Nation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are — has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story.”

“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. I am glad to have personally completed the SOAR AI learning module, and it has further strengthened my belief that learning must begin from leadership itself. It gives me great satisfaction to nominate my fellow colleagues to join this movement, so together we can inspire every citizen to embrace AI learning and prepare for an empowered, future-ready India,” he further added.

A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received the AI course certificates on the occasion, by the President of India.

Importantly, the initiative has received enthusiastic participation from Parliament as well. A total of 15 Members of Parliament have completed the SOAR AI course module, reflecting strong leadership commitment towards AI readiness within India’s highest democratic institution.