National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and Cultus Education announced the launch of a nationwide cloud and AI skilling initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The initiative provides 150,000 learners with foundational AI and cloud literacy through AWS digital training content and delivers intensive, job-ready training to 10,000 participants through the AWS re/Start program — a free, cohort-based workforce development training program that helps individuals build cloud computing skills and connects participants with employment opportunities at local employers. Graduates gain access to qualified interview opportunities.

NSDC and Cultus, with AWS re/Start and AWS digital training content as the enablement programs, aim to address the challenges faced by youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities — including limited access to globally recognised technical training, few connections to technology employers, and an absence of credentials needed to compete for cloud and AI roles. Delivered 100% online through Cultus, the NSDC-selected delivery partner, the initiative will span all states and territories and prioritise youth in underserved communities. The program concludes with a National Hackathon.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said, “This initiative reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat, where access to opportunity is not determined by geography or background. As India moves towards becoming a global hub for innovation, technology and talent, it is essential that our youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns also get the opportunity to equipped themselves with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. Such initiatives will play an important role in building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready workforce, which is central to our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Rani Burchmore, APJC Lead, AWS Skilling & Social Impact, said, "AWS re/Start brings 'net-new' talent into the workforce, establishing a win-win-win scenario for individuals to launch successful careers in cloud, organisations to increase their competitive edge with in-demand talent, and communities to thrive and grow. We are proud to work with NSDC and Cultus Education to build the diverse, robust cloud workforce of the future, enabling organisations to accelerate their innovation with the AWS Cloud.”

Nalin Singh, Group Managing Director, Cultus Education, said, “The true measure of skilling is whether learning translates into confidence, credentials and meaningful career opportunities. Our focus is to make globally relevant cloud and AI skills accessible beyond major metros, creating an outcome-led journey from learning and training to certification and employer connections.”

The initiative is designed to create meaningful social and economic impact by expanding access to high-quality technology training and employment opportunities for youth across India, particularly in underserved and emerging talent hubs. Through its 100% online delivery model, learners from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can access training without relocating to metropolitan centres, creating pathways from foundational digital literacy to globally recognised credentials and employment opportunities.

Learners can enroll through an online registration portal and begin their journey with AWS digital training content, building foundational AI and cloud skills at their own pace. Participants demonstrating readiness can progress to AWS re/Start, which provides structured, instructor-led training in cloud infrastructure, security, networking, and AI fundamentals. With the support of professional mentors and accredited instructors, participants develop skills in programming, networking, security, and relational databases through real-world-scenario-based learning, hands-on labs, and coursework. Graduates will earn an AWS Certification — an industry-recognised credential validating cloud computing skills — and gain access to qualified interview opportunities through connections with local employers. The learning journey will culminate in a National Hackathon, providing participants an opportunity to showcase their cloud and AI solutions before hiring managers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders.

Prashant Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, NSDC,  was also present at the launch.

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