President Murmu launches #SkillTheNation challenge to boost AI readiness via Skill India platform

President Droupadi Murmu announces the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, calling on citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to participate in AI learning by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course available on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). The initiative focuses on building future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and supporting broader technology awareness across society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness programme, launched in July 2025, offers structured micro-credential AI courses for school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners. The programme aims to make AI learning accessible through a simplified and responsible framework.

Over the last six months, more than 1.59 lakh learners across the country have enrolled in the SOAR AI course, with several participants completing certifications and gaining familiarity with AI concepts and applications.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, has completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module. Following this, he nominated Nara Lokesh Rao, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real-Time Governance and Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati; and Nitin Narang, President of the All-India Chess Federation, to participate in the challenge, extending the initiative across sectors.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India said, “India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. Through the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are — has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story.”

Jayant Chaudhary, further said, “India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. I am glad to have personally completed the SOAR AI learning module, and it has further strengthened my belief that learning must begin from leadership itself. It gives me great satisfaction to nominate my fellow colleagues to join this movement, so together we can inspire every citizen to embrace AI learning and prepare for an empowered, future-ready India,”

During the event, 17 students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received AI course certificates from the President of India.

The initiative has also seen participation from 15 Members of Parliament who have completed the SOAR AI course module, indicating engagement with AI learning at the legislative level.