Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Government of India

Mumbai, January 2, 2026: Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, announced the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, urging citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s AI learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, is enabling accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses for school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners. 

Designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational, SOAR has already, over just last six months, reached more than 1.59 lakh learners across the country who have enrolled in the AI course, with thousands successfully completing certifications and building confidence in AI awareness, understanding and application.

Demonstrating leadership by example, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module, symbolising a commitment to lifelong learning and AI readiness. He has further nominated Shri Nara Lokesh Rao, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real-Time Governance and Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prasar Bharati, and Mr. Nitin Narang — President of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement for AI awareness and capability building. (X – https://x.com/i/status/2006727927552160058).
Commenting on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary 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.”

“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,” he further added. 

A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received the AI course certificates on the occasion, by the President of India.

Importantly, the initiative has received enthusiastic participation from 15 Members of Parliament who have completed the SOAR AI course module, reflecting strong leadership commitment towards AI readiness within India’s highest democratic institution.