AI Certs aims to empower students across Indian colleges with foundational and industry-aligned AI education
AI Certs, a global provider of certification programs in emerging technologies, has launched Mission AI Saksham—a nationwide initiative offering free AI certification to college students across India. The initiative is designed to address the growing skill gap in artificial intelligence and prepare the next generation of professionals for a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Mission AI Saksham aims to democratize access to AI education, especially for students in Tier II and Tier III cities, where exposure to cutting-edge technologies remains limited. The program will offer AI foundational and professional-level certification courses at no cost, allowing students to build capabilities in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and ethical AI practices.
Bridging the AI Skills Gap
India, while positioned as a global AI talent hub, continues to face a significant gap between industry requirements and workforce readiness. According to various reports, over 60% of Indian organizations are experiencing challenges in hiring qualified AI professionals due to a lack of hands-on experience and formal education in the field.
Speaking on the initiative, Jayakrishnan T, Global CEO of AI Certs, said, “Mission AI Saksham is more than just a learning program; it’s a movement to create inclusive, future-ready talent. Our vision is to reach one million students in the next three years and equip them with the tools needed to succeed in an AI-first world.”
The initiative aligns with India’s broader digital transformation goals and echoes the government’s emphasis on skill development in emerging technologies under the Digital India mission.
What the Program Offers
Mission AI Saksham will include:
- Free Access to AI Certification: Students can enroll in AI Certs’ internationally recognized foundational and associate-level AI programs
- Online Learning Platform: Self-paced modules, quizzes, and industry case studies curated by experts
- Institutional Collaboration: Partnerships with colleges and universities to roll out the program across campuses
- Industry Readiness: Emphasis on ethical AI, real-world applications, and career guidance through mentor sessions
AI Certs has also announced plans to host webinars, hackathons, and AI career bootcamps to further enhance student engagement and application-based learning.
Industry and Academia Join Hands
In the coming months, AI Certs plans to partner with educational institutions across India to streamline onboarding processes, identify eligible participants, and support training infrastructure. The company is also reaching out to corporate partners and AI startups to enable internship opportunities for certified students.
Education experts believe this model could serve as a blueprint for future skilling programs in other emerging tech domains. Dr. Ritu Mathur, an AI researcher and professor at a Delhi-based university, noted, “This is a significant step toward reducing the knowledge divide in India’s digital economy. If implemented effectively, it could impact thousands of students from underrepresented regions.”
A Boost to India’s AI Ambitions
India has emerged as a top destination for AI development, with both multinational companies and homegrown startups investing in AI-powered solutions. However, sustaining this momentum requires a strong talent pool equipped not just with theoretical knowledge but also practical application.
By offering globally accredited certifications at zero cost, Mission AI Saksham seeks to equip young Indians with credentials that are both industry-relevant and globally accepted.
The launch also comes at a time when the country is preparing for the AI-driven jobs of tomorrow—spanning industries such as finance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and governance.