In a significant step toward democratizing access to artificial intelligence education, EY (Ernst & Young) and Microsoft have jointly launched the AI Skills Passport, a free learning initiative designed to equip students and early-career professionals with essential AI knowledge and practical skills. The program aims to bridge the growing digital divide in the workforce by offering accessible, structured learning pathways focused on responsible and effective AI adoption.
The initiative was launched in India as part of a larger global collaboration between the two companies, underscoring their shared commitment to making AI literacy universal. The AI Skills Passport is being positioned as a platform that provides participants with verified credentials after completing a curated learning journey covering AI fundamentals, practical applications, and ethical frameworks.
According to the companies, the program is intended for university students, recent graduates, and professionals at the early stages of their careers who wish to strengthen their understanding of emerging technologies that are shaping the job market. Participants can access a variety of modules and interactive resources through an integrated digital portal that combines EY’s industry insights with Microsoft’s AI technology expertise.
Speaking about the initiative, Rajiv Memani, Chairman of EY India, said that the collaboration aligns with EY’s ongoing mission to build a future-ready workforce that can thrive in an AI-driven economy. “As AI reshapes industries, there is an urgent need to ensure that young professionals are equipped with the right digital and ethical skills. The AI Skills Passport is our contribution toward that goal, enabling learning at scale and empowering the next generation of leaders,” Memani stated.
Microsoft India’s leadership also emphasized the importance of building AI fluency at all levels of education and employment. Ahmed Mazhari, President of Microsoft Asia, said that AI literacy is no longer optional for students and professionals. “We believe in making AI accessible to everyone—especially to the youth who will shape the future of innovation. Through the AI Skills Passport, we are helping create pathways to learning and employability that align with India’s digital growth story,” he noted.
The program’s learning modules include AI Fundamentals, Ethical AI and Governance, Data Literacy, and Applied AI in Business, offering participants both conceptual understanding and hands-on learning experiences. Upon completion, learners receive a verified digital certificate that can be shared on professional networks, such as LinkedIn, demonstrating their readiness for AI-oriented roles.
Industry analysts see this collaboration as part of a broader trend among global corporations to address the AI skills gap, which has widened as enterprises accelerate their adoption of generative AI tools. According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, more than 60% of jobs globally will require some level of AI competency within the next five years. However, only a small percentage of the global workforce currently has formal AI training or certification.
EY and Microsoft’s initiative directly targets this imbalance, particularly in India—a country with one of the world’s largest youth populations and a rapidly expanding technology sector. The program also supports the Indian government’s Digital India and Skill India missions, which emphasize technological inclusion and workforce readiness in the age of automation.
The AI Skills Passport builds upon Microsoft’s existing efforts to promote AI education through its AI Odyssey and Future Ready Skills programs. EY, meanwhile, brings to the partnership its global expertise in talent development and ethical AI advisory, ensuring that learners are not just technologically skilled but also understand the governance and societal impact of AI applications.
In addition to the educational content, the AI Skills Passport portal will feature interactive workshops, expert sessions, and mentorship opportunities, allowing participants to connect directly with industry leaders. The companies have stated that these elements are critical to fostering not only technical proficiency but also an innovation mindset among participants.
The launch comes amid rapid expansion of India’s AI ecosystem, with both public and private sectors investing heavily in AI infrastructure, research, and enterprise adoption. According to EY’s recent survey, over 70% of Indian businesses plan to expand their AI investments by 2026, with a growing focus on automation, predictive analytics, and customer engagement. However, the shortage of trained AI professionals remains a significant barrier to scaling these initiatives effectively.
By offering a free, accessible pathway to AI education, EY and Microsoft hope to make a measurable impact on employability and workforce transformation. The initiative is also expected to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by expanding the pool of skilled talent available for AI-driven innovation.
Rajnish Gupta, Country Head for Modern Work and Skills at Microsoft India, said that building AI capability across all sectors is essential to India’s economic future. “We are at an inflection point where AI is transforming every industry. It is vital that every student, entrepreneur, and employee understands how to responsibly use and apply AI. The AI Skills Passport will ensure that access to this knowledge is equitable and inclusive,” Gupta added.
The companies also plan to collaborate with universities, colleges, and educational institutions to embed the program within existing curricula. This academic integration, according to EY, will allow students to earn course credits while also gaining globally recognized certification, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Early adopters of the program have already praised its accessibility and relevance. Students have described the course structure as “practical, easy to follow, and deeply aligned with real-world use cases,” while educators have noted its potential to redefine digital literacy in India’s academic landscape.
As AI continues to reshape industries, initiatives like the AI Skills Passport represent a step forward in ensuring that technology adoption is inclusive and beneficial. For India, where the balance between human capital and technological advancement is key to economic growth, this partnership between EY and Microsoft marks an important move toward equipping the nation’s youth for an AI-powered future.