Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary Launches SOAR to Boost AI Literacy Among School Students and Educators

New Delhi (India) July 23: The ministry of skills development and entrepreneurship starts a nationwide initiative called SOAR. It stands for Skilling for AI Readiness.

SOAR aims to teach AI to students in Classes 6–12

This is done with the goal of fostering AI literacy among educators and raising awareness of AI among schoolchildren (classes 6–12). The program aims to provide students with fundamental AI knowledge and useful skills at a young age.

The union ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE) leads the Skill India ecosystem. It organised a grand conference and exhibition called "BharatSkillNxt 2025" at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on July 22, 2025. The conference marks the completion of the Skill India Mission's tenth year.

$14.4 million raised to support skilling programs

At the event, MSDE Minister of State, Jayant Chaudhary said that his ministry has raised $14.4 million through the Skill Impact Bond (SIB). This is done through the National Skills Development Corporation to change the way skilling is funded. This will also have particular emphasis on employment results.

He also underlines the government's long-term objective under "Viksit Bharat 2047." He emphasises the significance of India's skill development direction.

He said, “India aspires to build the world’s largest network of young learners actively engaging with artificial intelligence (AI). This vision includes school students not just learning about AI but applying it in meaningful, real-world contexts.”

India and France sign MoU on skill development

There are also some high-impact Memorandums of Understanding exchanged at the BharatSkillNxt 2025 event. One of the significant MoUs is the Memorandum of Understanding between MSDE and the French Republic's government.

Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France, said, “Rooted in mutual respect and people-to-people exchanges, Indo-French partnership in the field of vocational education and skill development reflects a shared vision for the future. Today’s MoU is not merely a document—it is a bridge between two nations committed to empowering youth, building resilient economies, and promoting social mobility through skill-based learning.”

The curriculum will teach fundamental AI principles like machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and responsible AI use to students in Classes 6 through 12.

The curriculum is in cooperation with leading technological companies and educational specialists. This is in order to adapt to international standards.

A hybrid learning strategy will be used to offer the AI training modules, mixing online resources with practical workshops. To promote ongoing learning and experimentation, schools will be urged to establish AI labs and AI clubs.

AI for educators is a stand-alone 45-hour module for teachers. The three successive 15-hour modules for students are AI to be Aware, AI to Acquire and AI to Aspire that make up SOAR. 

Concepts include AI fundamentals, generative AI, AI in daily life, programming basics, ethics, cybersecurity and future employment options are all introduced throughout the curriculum.

Aadrika Tayal