The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme is a structured skill development initiative designed to build personal, professional and workplace readiness among learners. It strengthens essential competencies such as communication, critical thinking, digital literacy and behavioural skills through curated modules, guided learning and practical engagement. The programme equips participants with the confidence and capabilities needed to perform effectively in technology-driven work environments and supports their progression across diverse career pathways. Under the SOAR initiative, multiple courses have been launched in collaboration with leading industry partners such as Microsoft, HCL Technologies and NASSCOM to build AI awareness, foundational readiness and educator capability.

 

Under the SOAR initiative, AI-readiness courses are being delivered in partnership with Microsoft, HCL Technologies and NASSCOM to equip students and educators with foundational and applied AI skills.

 

The total number of students and teachers trained under the said scheme so far;

 

SOAR Coursewise details as on 7th Dec 2025
Content Provider	Course Name	Enrolled	Certified
Microsoft	SOAR - AI to Acquire	6,359	780
	SOAR - AI for Educators	9,926	930
	SOAR - AI to Aspire	8,084	1310
	SOAR - AI to be Aware	28,154	3,567
HCL Technologies Ltd	SOAR - AI to Aspire	17,472	997
	SOAR - AI to Acquire	8,544	531
	SOAR - AI for Educator	7,544	571
	SOAR - AI to be Aware	31,564	2,778
NASSCOM	SOAR - AI to Acquire	3,207	147
	SOAR - AI to be Aware	8,196	441
	SOAR - AI to Aspire	3,195	98
	SOAR – AI for Educator	2,241	101

 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare implements ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme with an objective to promote advance technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield & reduced cost of operation and to empower SHGs as drone service providers for increasing their income and providing livelihood support to them.

 

Further, this Ministry also conduct training in drone-related job roles under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY4.0). The progress made in the drone-related job roles under PMKVY 4.0, including the number of women trained in drone operations, is as follows:

 

Job Role Name	No. of candidates Trained/oriented		Total
	Female	Male
Drone Manufacturing and Assembly Technician	2,576	5,532	8,108
Drone Operator - Multi Rotor	18	169	187
Drone Service Technician	7,229	7,337	14,566
Kisan Drone Operator	1,185	1,724	2,909

 

The Government undertakes periodic reviews of AI and drone-related skilling initiatives under the Skill India Mission, assessing enrolment, certification, placement, self-employment outcomes and employer feedback to gauge their effectiveness in strengthening employability and future skills. These reviews support continuous curriculum updates, industry collaboration and improvements in implementation modalities, ensuring that SOAR and drone-related programmes remain aligned with evolving technology trends and labour-market requirements. The effectiveness of broader skill development schemes is also evaluated through MIS-based monitoring, third-party assessments and beneficiary feedback. The Impact Evaluation of PMKVY 2.0 reported a measurable rise in employment for Short-Term Training candidates—including a nine-percentage-point increase—higher monthly incomes and strong satisfaction with training quality. Under Recognition of Prior Learning, 78% of beneficiaries continued working in their certified trade and reported an average 25% increase in income. These findings guide ongoing refinements in the design and delivery of skill development programmes.

 

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Shri Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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