Artificial Intelligence is expected to generate new employment opportunities across areas such as data science, data curation and advanced analytics, with over 0.87 million Indians already trained or enrolled in emerging technologies, Parliament was informed on Thursday.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched the FutureSkills PRIME programme to reskill and upskill IT professionals across ten emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. Under the initiative, more than 0.32 million candidates have received training specifically in AI and Big Data Analytics.
Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje said that over 1.86 million candidates have registered on the FutureSkills PRIME portal so far, with more than 0.34 million successfully completing their courses.
According to a Nasscom report titled Advancing India’s AI Skills, India’s AI workforce is expected to grow from around 0.60–0.65 million professionals currently to over 1.25 million professionals by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent.
The minister added that under the Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence scheme, implemented by MeitY in partnership with Nasscom, startups are being supported to develop AI-based tools and applications for the manufacturing sector. Several such solutions have already been deployed by companies.
Separately, the National e-Governance Division has launched YUVAi: Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI, a national programme aimed at equipping students from Classes 8 to 12 with AI skills and social competencies. The initiative allows students to work on AI applications across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, environment, transport, rural development, smart cities and justice delivery.
The government has also strengthened employment support through the National Career Service portal, which provides job-related services and information on private and government sector opportunities.
