The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on January 2 announced the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, urging citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s AI learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society. A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received the AI course certificates on the occasion, by the President of India.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, is enabling accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses for school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners. Designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational, SOAR has already, over just last six months, reached more than 1.59 lakh learners across the country who have enrolled in the AI course, with thousands successfully completing certifications and building confidence in AI awareness, understanding and application.
Leading by example, Jayant Chaudhary, union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Education, himself has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module, symbolising a commitment to lifelong learning and AI readiness. He has further nominated Shri Nara Lokesh Rao, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real-Time Governance and Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prasar Bharati, and Mr. Nitin Narang — President of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement for AI awareness and capability building.
Commenting on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said, “India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. Through the ‘Skill the Nation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are — has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story.”
