The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a transformative national-level initiative titled SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), which aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) education into the school curriculum for students in classes VI to XII. The initiative, launched during the 10-year celebrations of the Skill India Mission, seeks to equip the next generation with foundational knowledge and practical skills in AI, thereby making them future-ready in an increasingly technology-driven world.

SOAR has been designed to build AI awareness and literacy not only among students but also among educators. It is structured into three progressive 15-hour learning modules tailored for school students, named “AI to be Aware,” “AI to Acquire,” and “AI to Aspire.” Each of these modules builds upon the previous one, introducing young learners to the basics of artificial intelligence and gradually leading them into more complex and application-based learning. For teachers, SOAR offers a separate, intensive 45-hour training module titled “AI for Educators,” which is aimed at preparing them to effectively facilitate AI education in classrooms.

The initiative comes in response to the rapidly growing significance of AI in everyday life and the workforce, and the need to make India’s youth not just aware of AI, but capable of harnessing its power across sectors. From understanding AI fundamentals and generative AI, to learning about programming basics, ethics, cybersecurity, and career opportunities in the field, SOAR’s curriculum is built to be practical, engaging, and forward-looking. It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for skill-based education and early exposure to emerging technologies.

Speaking at the launch event of SOAR held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, as part of the “Bharat SkillNxt 2025” celebration, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSDE and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, emphasized the importance of preparing young minds for the challenges and opportunities of a future dominated by technology. He stated that within the next six months, India’s school-going population could become the world’s largest network of AI-literate young learners. “These learners will be bold, tech-savvy, and ready to lead,” he remarked, adding that early and widespread adoption of AI education would not only enhance employability but also foster innovation and enterprise at the grassroots level.

The initiative also reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equity, aiming to bridge the digital divide that persists across urban and rural geographies in India. SOAR is designed to ensure that all students—regardless of location—get access to high-quality AI education and tools that can transform their learning journeys. With support for multi-language delivery and context-sensitive examples, SOAR is poised to be accessible and effective across India’s diverse educational landscape.

MoS for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, underlined the synergy between SOAR and NEP 2020, highlighting that the initiative aligns with the vision of vocationalizing education and making skills central to a child’s learning path. He pointed out that initiatives like SOAR, coupled with the National Credit Framework and AI-integrated learning from an early age, bring genuine choice, mobility, and opportunity into India’s education system. “From rural heartlands to technology hubs, we are witnessing a generation of learners—especially our daughters—rising with confidence, creativity and curiosity,” he said.

By introducing AI education in middle and secondary school levels, SOAR is not only fostering technical awareness but also promoting critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and responsible digital behavior among students. It empowers them to understand how AI shapes the world and how they can contribute meaningfully in this evolving space. Educators trained through the AI for Educators module will play a crucial role in delivering this content, acting as facilitators and mentors who can guide young minds toward innovation.

SOAR is a significant step forward in India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for digital talent and innovation. As the country continues to embrace the fourth industrial revolution, initiatives like this ensure that its vast youth population is not left behind but rather empowered to lead the way. Through SOAR, MSDE not only reaffirms its commitment to the Skill India Mission but also lays the foundation for a future where AI literacy is not a luxury, but a fundamental right of every learner.