Government-backed initiative aims to provide digital training to 1.5 lakh learners and job-ready cloud skills to 10,000 participants.
India has launched a nationwide initiative to expand access to cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, with a particular focus on young people in underserved communities and smaller cities. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education announced the programme in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The initiative is designed to address the growing demand for technology professionals as cloud infrastructure and AI become increasingly important across industries.
Under the programme, around 1.5 lakh learners are expected to receive foundational training in cloud and AI through AWS digital learning content. The initiative will cover all states and Union Territories, allowing participants to access the material online. The broader objective is to make basic technology education available to learners regardless of their location. This is particularly relevant for students and young professionals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to specialized technology training can be more limited.
10,000 participants to receive job-ready training.
A smaller group of 10,000 participants will have access to the AWS re/Start programme, which provides more intensive, instructor-led training. The programme covers areas including cloud infrastructure, networking, security and AI fundamentals.
Participants can move towards the advanced training based on their preparedness after completing the foundational digital learning component. This two-level approach is intended to create a pathway from basic digital awareness to more specialized technical skills that can be applied in the workplace.
Focus on smaller cities and underserved communities.
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayant Chaudhary said the initiative is aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat and stressed the importance of ensuring that geography does not determine access to future employment opportunities.
The focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations is significant as India’s technology sector expands beyond major metropolitan centres. Wider access to cloud and AI education could help young workers build skills that are increasingly relevant across sectors, including IT, finance, manufacturing and digital services.
By combining online foundational education with instructor-led technical training, the programme seeks to create a wider technology talent pool across India. Its effectiveness, however, will depend on learner participation, completion rates and the extent to which training translates into meaningful employment opportunities. The nationwide rollout marks another step in India’s efforts to strengthen digital skills and prepare its workforce for an economy increasingly shaped by cloud computing and AI.
