2.30 Lakh Students Are Exploring AI Before College Through the SOAR Initiative

Artificial intelligence is becoming an important part of education and the workplace. To introduce students to this changing technology early, the Government of India launched the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) initiative. It focuses on students from Classes VI–XII and educators, helping them develop an understanding of artificial intelligence through structured learning programmes.

As of February 2026, 2.30 lakh students had enrolled in SOAR courses. The initiative includes four programmes covering AI awareness and skill development, along with a dedicated course for educators. Let's understand its learning programmes, objectives and how it compares with other government AI education initiatives.

What Is the SOAR Initiative for School Students?

Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) is a government initiative designed to introduce artificial intelligence skills at the school level. It targets students from Classes VI–XII and educators, helping them understand emerging technologies and prepare for changing skill requirements.

The programme is delivered in partnership with:

• Microsoft

• HCL Technologies

• NASSCOM

As of February 2026, 2.30 lakh students had enrolled in its four learning programmes.

These programmes introduce AI concepts to students and support educators in developing the knowledge required to teach AI-related topics.

What Are the Four Learning Programmes Under SOAR?

SOAR includes four learning programmes designed for AI awareness and skill development.

Together, these programmes aim to introduce AI learning at an early stage and encourage students to explore technology beyond traditional classroom subjects.

The four programmes cover both student learning and educator development, making AI education relevant to schools as well as teachers.

Students interested in continuing their education after school can explore PW's undergraduate and postgraduate online degree programmes to understand the available higher education.

What Other Government Initiatives Offer AI Learning?

Apart from SOAR, the Government of India is promoting AI education through YUVA AI for ALL, the FutureSkills Pillar and FutureSkills Prime. Each initiative has a different focus, ranging from basic AI awareness to advanced education and professional upskilling.

YUVA AI for ALL

Launched in November 2025 under the IndiaAI Mission, YUVA AI for ALL is a free, self-paced course designed to introduce AI fundamentals to citizens, particularly young learners.

Its key features include:

• A 4.5-hour learning programme.

• Introduction to basic AI concepts and applications.

• Availability through FutureSkills Prime and iGOT Karmayogi.

• A Government of India certificate after successful completion.

As of 8 July 2026, the programme had recorded 85.27 lakh enrolments.

FutureSkills Pillar

The FutureSkills Pillar operates under the IndiaAI Mission and focuses on developing India's advanced AI talent ecosystem. Unlike introductory AI courses, it supports learners pursuing higher education and research.

Its major components include:

• National AI Fellowships: Financial and academic support opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, dual-degree and PhD students.

• 570 AI and Data Labs: These labs are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to provide access to practical AI learning.

• Industry-oriented courses: NCVET-recognised AI courses cover sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and education.

These initiatives aim to connect advanced AI education with practical applications and research opportunities.

FutureSkills Prime

FutureSkills Prime is a joint initiative of NASSCOM and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It provides an online platform for skilling, reskilling and upskilling in emerging technologies.

Its key highlights include:

• More than 2,800 courses and learning pathways.

• Over 33 lakh registered users.

• Participation from 41% women learners.

• Reach across 740 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Learners looking to understand the skills required in today's technology-driven workplace can read which AI skills employers are looking for.

SOAR vs YUVA AI for ALL vs FutureSkills Pillar vs FutureSkills Prime

Although these initiatives support AI education, they differ in their target learners, learning formats and objectives.

The key difference is their learning stage: SOAR introduces AI at school, YUVA AI for ALL provides basic AI awareness, FutureSkills Pillar supports advanced education, and FutureSkills Prime focuses on continuous technology-based learning.

For learners interested in building a stronger foundation in data and technology, the Online MSc Data Science programme is another higher education option to consider.

Key Takeaways

• SOAR enrolment: 2.30 lakh students had enrolled as of February 2026.

• Target learners: Students from Classes VI–XII and educators.

• Four programmes: AI to Be Aware, AI to Aspire, AI to Acquire and AI for Educators.

• Industry partnerships: Microsoft, HCL Technologies and NASSCOM support course delivery.

• YUVA AI for ALL: Recorded 85.27 lakh enrolments by 8 July 2026.

• FutureSkills Pillar: Supports higher education through AI fellowships and 570 AI and Data Labs.

• FutureSkills Prime: Offers more than 2,800 courses and learning pathways.

The SOAR initiative reflects India's effort to introduce artificial intelligence education at the school level. Alongside YUVA AI for ALL, FutureSkills Pillar and FutureSkills Prime, it creates learning opportunities at different educational and professional stages. These programmes can help learners build AI awareness, develop practical knowledge and prepare for technology-driven career opportunities.

If you want to explore how AI is influencing career choices and workplace expectations, read how AI is changing job requirements.