PM Modi announces AI training for 1 crore youth over the next year, aiming to build future-ready skills and strengthen India’s leadership in emerging technologies.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major Artificial Intelligence (AI) skilling initiative for one crore (10 million) young Indians over the next year. The announcement was made during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, where he placed emerging technologies and youth empowerment at the centre of India’s development strategy.
The initiative is aimed at preparing India’s young workforce for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, quantum computing and other emerging technologies. PM Modi said the objective is not merely to create AI users but to equip young Indians with the capabilities needed to become global leaders in the field.
AI Skills to Drive Future Opportunities
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming workplaces across sectors, including information technology, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, education and services. The government’s latest announcement seeks to ensure that Indian youth are prepared to take advantage of these emerging opportunities.
PM Modi highlighted the rapid opening of new frontiers in AI, quantum computing, space, robotics and data centres, stressing the importance of India taking a leadership position in technology and innovation.
The one-crore target represents a significant expansion of India’s focus on AI education and digital skills. It also aligns with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, under which technology, innovation and skilled human resources are expected to play a key role in India’s development.
Existing AI Initiatives Provide a Foundation
The latest announcement comes against the backdrop of existing government AI-skilling programmes. Under the YUVA AI for ALL initiative, a free 4.5-hour self-paced course was launched to introduce citizens, particularly young people, to the fundamentals of AI. Government data showed enrolment had reached 85.27 lakh by July 8, 2026.
The government has also been implementing the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme for students and educators, providing foundational AI skills and awareness.
Further details about the newly announced one-crore youth programme—including the curriculum, eligibility, training institutions, certification and registration process—are expected to be released separately.
AI Training Alongside Free Online Coaching
The AI initiative was one of several youth-focused announcements made by PM Modi on Independence Day. He also announced a free online coaching network for competitive examinations, aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and families.
Together, the initiatives signal a stronger government focus on future-ready skills, digital education and employment opportunities as India works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
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