Year-End Review: NSDC Targets to Skill 1 Lakh Youth in AI, Drones, and Cloud Computing by 2025

Created Date 31-Dec-2024 EST

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), established by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has become a pivotal platform for courses in emerging technologies such as AI, drone technology, data science, and cloud computing. With a goal to train 1 lakh learners by the end of 2025, the initiative is rapidly growing in importance, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.

Currently, the SIDH portal offers over 500 courses in high-demand fields, including AI, drone technology, data science, and cloud computing. Specialised courses focused on AI-driven solutions for agriculture and cybersecurity are also gaining traction.

Strategic collaborations with global tech giants like Meta and Microsoft further enrich the learning experience. Meta is involved in AI-driven learning initiatives, while Microsoft provides hands-on training, enhancing the practical skills of learners.

NSDC's efforts are also making a significant impact on India's economy. The organization has helped spur a 3.5% growth in the IT and manufacturing sectors. As part of India’s vision to become a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030, NSDC aims to create over 5 million jobs in fields like AI and robotics over the next five years.

The focus on higher-level courses related to Industry 4.0 technologies, such as automation and machine learning, ensures that graduates are equipped with relevant, cutting-edge skills. In partnership with international universities, NSDC also offers dual certifications in advanced digital competencies, which further boosts global employability.

In alignment with national goals for gender equality, NSDC has launched several initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with major companies like Britannia Industries and HDFC Bank, the corporation aims to empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs by 2025. This initiative includes self-learning courses available in regional languages, grants worth Rs 10 lakh for top performers, access to workshops, and a Rs 150 crore venture capital fund. By 2040, the programme is expected to help establish around 30 million women-led enterprises, contributing significantly to India’s GDP.

SIDH is also prioritising inclusivity, having enrolled over 5,000 senior citizens across 505 districts.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), NSDC is focusing on specialized courses in STEM, AI, and robotics, aiming to build a skilled workforce that meets the demands of Industry 4.0. PMKVY 4.0 (2022-2026) plans to train over 50 lakh youth, offering 429 job roles across diverse sectors, including AI, robotics, and drones. Collaborations with IITs, IIMs, and industries are also helping to ensure that training is in sync with industry needs, with initiatives like ‘Drone Didi’ driving innovation.

With a budget of Rs 12,000 crore, PMKVY is empowering India's workforce for future job opportunities. One key success is the 30-Hour Upskilling Programme, which has already facilitated the deployment of 10,000 construction workers to Israel, ensuring their skills meet global standards.

The PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman scheme, with a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, is designed to uplift traditional artisans and craftsmen in 18 trades, including blacksmiths, carpenters, and potters. The scheme offers financial support, such as Rs 15,000 for toolkits and collateral-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh at subsidised interest rates, along with advanced skill training and improved market access to help preserve India's rich cultural heritage.

NSDC International has also played a key role in expanding India’s global workforce. In Israel, NSDC has helped recruit 10,000 construction workers, with 6,661 workers already deployed through a special PMKVY 4.0 project. In Saudi Arabia, the Skill Verification Programme (SVP) has assessed over 25,000 candidates, certifying nearly 24,000, which contributes to the quality of Indian blue-collar workers abroad.

These initiatives reflect NSDC’s broad commitment to driving skill development across India, aligning with both national growth goals and the evolving needs of the global workforce.

This entry was posted in Trilok Singh and tagged NSDC, AI, Drones, Cloud Computing, National Skill Development Corporation, NSDC, PMKVY, IJJMC, International Journal