AI Skills in India | Microsoft and IndiaAI | AI Training Programme Microsoft | Microsoft India AI partnership | IndiaAI initiative 2025
In a powerful move to democratize artificial intelligence (AI) education, Microsoft has partnered with IndiaAI, the Government of India’s AI initiative, to train 5 lakh people by 2026. This ambitious collaboration aims to upskill students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs, building a vast and inclusive AI talent pool across the nation.
This initiative is a part of Microsoft’s broader $3 billion investment in India, focusing on expanding tech infrastructure, enhancing AI capabilities, and developing human capital. According to Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, Microsoft has already trained 24 lakh individuals and aims to empower 1 crore people over five years.
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The Indian Government’s commitment is also evident from the Rs 10,372 crore allocated in March 2024 for AI ecosystem development over the next five years—perfectly aligning with Microsoft’s vision of a tech-powered India.
What Are the Key Components of the Microsoft and IndiaAI Partnership?
AI Productivity Labs: Set up in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and NIELIT centers across 10 states, these labs will train 20,000 educators and offer foundational AI courses to 1 lakh students from 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
“AI Catalysts” Centre of Excellence: Aimed at fostering rural innovation in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, this center will empower 1 lakh developers and innovators through hackathons, community programs, and an AI marketplace.
Microsoft Founders Hub Integration: Up to 1,000 AI startups will receive access to Azure credits, business tools, and mentorship—strengthening India’s AI startup ecosystem.
Focus on Indic Languages: The partnership will also develop foundational AI models in Indic languages, ensuring inclusivity and cultural relevance.
AI Safety Institute & Ethical AI Development: The collaboration will include the establishment of frameworks and safety standards for responsible AI usage in India.
Microsoft AI Skills Fest 2025
Starting April 8 and running till May 28, 2025, Microsoft is also hosting a 50-day AI Skills Fest—a free, global learning event open to all, regardless of age or profession. Courses will be offered in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Spanish, French, and more, with formats like live sessions, self-paced learning, hackathons, and in-person meetups.
Participants can explore beginner modules or dive into advanced content using tools like GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Fabric, and Azure AI Services. Lucky participants may win free Microsoft Certification vouchers and GitHub Copilot discounts by completing the learning modules.
AI Skills in India & Careers for Women Initiative
On April 22, 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Microsoft, launched the AI Careers for Women program. The initiative will establish 30 Centers of Excellence across six Indian states in women’s colleges, using a hub-and-spoke model covering 150 educational institutions in tier-II and tier-III cities.
Key features of the program include:
A 240-hour industry-aligned curriculum developed with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).
Training and project-based learning for 20,000 women.
Opportunities for certification, apprenticeships, internships, and career guidance.
A focus on real-world applications and building AI tools/datasets to fuel rural AI innovation.
“Empowering young women with in-demand digital skills will not only transform individual careers but also accelerate the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and innovation-driven economy,” said Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary.
The program, implemented in partnership with Edunet Foundation, will play a crucial role in expanding women’s participation in India’s digital economy by enabling them to become active contributors to AI innovation.
