Microsoft Deepens Commitment to India’s AI Future with Major Skilling Update
New Delhi, India – As Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, prepares for his visit to India next month, Microsoft has announced significant progress in its artificial intelligence (AI) skilling initiatives across the country. This update underscores Microsoft's commitment to empowering India's workforce for the AI era and aligns with the nation's vision of becoming a global AI leader. Nadella is scheduled to visit India from December 10th to 12th, with stops in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
Microsoft is partnering with the Indian government to integrate AI learning into vocational institutions nationwide. The company is working with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to offer a one-year micro-degree program called 'AI Programming Assistant' across 33 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in India. This program aims to provide hands-on AI training to over 15,000 vocational institutes, equipping young people with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving job market.
Microsoft had earlier pledged to train 10 million Indians in AI skills by 2030. The company has already trained 5.6 million people in just 10 months. Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, emphasized the importance of skilling in India's AI transformation. He stated that Microsoft is embedding AI learning into vocational institutions and communities nationwide by partnering with the Government of India, MSDE, and DGT.
The AI micro-degree program prioritizes inclusivity, with a goal of ensuring that at least 50% of its participants are women. NSTI Bengaluru, for example, offers a 1600-hour curriculum that includes Python, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and GenAI. Graduates are securing entry-level tech positions with monthly salaries ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000, demonstrating the immediate impact of these skills.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, noted that skilling approaches must evolve to match the pace of innovation and opportunity presented by AI. Microsoft's efforts are aligned with India's mission to prepare its youth for the AI-driven economy.
During his visit, Nadella is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other top government officials to discuss India's digital infrastructure and how Microsoft can support national goals related to AI adoption, cybersecurity, and digital skilling. He will also engage with industry leaders from various sectors to explore cloud adoption, enterprise AI solutions, and tools for business modernization. Nadella is also expected to speak at Microsoft-hosted events, highlighting the company's latest AI innovations, including Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI tools. He may also announce new initiatives aimed at supporting AI-focused startups.
Microsoft's ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative aims to train 2 million Indians in essential AI skills by 2025, spanning the educational, entrepreneurial, and governmental sectors. This initiative includes establishing AI Productivity Labs across National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and NIELIT centers to train educators and students. It also promotes rural AI innovation through the AI Catalysts Center of Excellence and supports AI startups through Microsoft's Founders Hub program.
Microsoft's commitment to India's AI ecosystem is further demonstrated by its $3 billion investment to bolster AI and cloud infrastructure in the country. This investment includes expanding data centers and improving local AI infrastructure.
