India Launches SOAR Programme to Integrate AI Learning in School Curriculum (Classes 6 to 12)
On July 22, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) officially launched the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at embedding artificial intelligence (AI) education into the curriculum of school students from Classes 6 to 12. Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary introduced the programme at an event in New Delhi, highlighting its role in preparing a future-ready, tech-savvy generation.
SOAR offers a three-tiered learning pathway for students—AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire, and AI to Aspire—each comprising 15 hours of structured learning. Additionally, a 45-hour module titled AI for Educators has been developed to equip teachers with the necessary skills and understanding to effectively teach AI concepts in the classroom.
Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasized, “India aspires to build the world’s largest network of young learners actively engaging with AI. Our goal is not just awareness but real-world application, aligning with the vision of a tech-driven, future-ready India under Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The SOAR curriculum covers essential AI topics including:
- Basics of Artificial Intelligence
- Generative AI
- Ethical Use of Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Career Pathways in AI
In tandem with SOAR, the Ministry also launched KaushalVerse, a digital enterprise portal developed by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This platform is designed to streamline vocational training regulations and improve accessibility to skill-related services.
Another landmark announcement was the rollout of India’s first and the world’s largest outcomes-based Skill Impact Bond (SIB). Spearheaded by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), this bond has already mobilized $14.4 million and will focus on directly linking skilling initiatives with employment outcomes.
The event also saw multiple key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) being signed to reinforce public-private and international collaborations in the skilling ecosystem. Notably, a significant MoU was signed between MSDE and the Government of the French Republic, focusing on:
- Joint curriculum development
- Establishing Centres of Excellence
- Cross-country vocational training models
Further training initiatives were also announced under PMKVY 4.0, with premier institutions participating:
- IIIT Una: 120 candidates in Electrical and Software Programming
- IIT Hyderabad: 280 candidates in Electronics, Hydrocarbon, and Capital Goods
- IIT Patna: 1,440 candidates in Agriculture, Green Jobs, and Healthcare
- NIT Agartala: 370 candidates in Automotive IoT and AI–Data Science
- RRU, Gandhinagar: 240 candidates in Yoga Wellness and Fire Safety
Additionally, NSTI Mumbai signed an MoU with the ICICI Foundation to boost rural entrepreneurship through vocational training.
Flexi MoUs were also inked with major industry leaders such as Dixon Technologies, Microsoft, and HCL, ensuring that training aligns with current and future industry needs.
Through initiatives like SOAR and associated partnerships, the Government of India is taking significant steps to integrate AI into education and vocational skilling, shaping a digitally empowered, employment-ready generation.
