The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education have launched a nationwide cloud and artificial intelligence skilling initiative with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS), targeting 1.5 lakh learners across India.
The programme aims to provide foundational AI and cloud literacy to 150,000 learners using AWS digital training content. Of these, 10,000 participants will receive intensive, job-ready training through AWS re/Start, the company's cohort-based workforce development programme focused on cloud computing skills.
The initiative is being undertaken by NSDC under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with Cultus Education serving as the delivery partner. It will cover all states and Union Territories, with a particular focus on young people from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and underserved communities.
The programme will be delivered entirely online, allowing participants to undergo training without relocating to larger metropolitan centres. Learners will initially access AWS digital training content at their own pace to develop foundational understanding of cloud technologies and AI. Those demonstrating the required readiness can subsequently progress to AWS re/Start.
The advanced programme will provide instructor-led training covering cloud infrastructure, networking, security and AI fundamentals. Participants will also develop skills across areas such as programming and relational databases through coursework, hands-on labs and scenario-based learning supported by instructors and professional mentors.
Graduates of the intensive programme will receive support towards earning an AWS Certification and will be connected with employers for qualified interview opportunities. The learning programme is also expected to culminate in a National Hackathon, where participants will be able to demonstrate cloud and AI solutions to hiring managers and industry representatives.
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayant Chaudhary said access to emerging technology skills should extend beyond India's major cities as the country seeks to strengthen its position in innovation, technology and talent. He said initiatives targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns could contribute to building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The launch comes as AI capabilities increasingly become part of workforce requirements across technology and other sectors. It also follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day announcement of plans to provide AI skills training to one crore young people over the next year.
The NSDC-AWS initiative combines foundational digital learning with advanced technical training, certification and employer access, placing employability alongside AI and cloud education as a central component of the programme.
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