Empowering tier 2, tier 3 youth with future skills key to Viksit Bharat 2047: Jayant Chaudhary

Nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative Launched

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), on Sunday launched a nationwide cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) skilling initiative. The programme targets 150,000 learners (1.5 lakh) with foundational AI and cloud literacy training through AWS digital training content, with 10,000 participants set to receive intensive, job-ready training through the AWS re/Start programme.

Supported by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the initiative will focus on youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across all states and Union Territories. It will be delivered entirely online through Cultus Education, NSDC's selected delivery partner.

Minister's Remarks on Viksit Bharat 2047

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said the initiative reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat, where access to opportunity is not determined by geography or background. "As India moves towards becoming a global hub for innovation, technology and talent, it is essential that our youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns also get the opportunity to equip themselves with the skills needed for the jobs of the future," he said.

"Such initiatives will play an important role in building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready workforce, which is central to our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047," he added.

Programme Details

According to an official statement, the initiative is designed to create meaningful social and economic impact by expanding access to high-quality technology training and employment opportunities for youth across India, particularly in underserved and emerging talent hubs. Through its 100% online delivery model, learners from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can access training without relocating to metropolitan centres, creating pathways from foundational digital literacy to globally recognised credentials and employment opportunities.

Under the programme, 150,000 learners will receive access to AWS digital training content covering basic cloud and AI skills. Of these, 10,000 participants will undergo AWS re/Start, a structured training programme covering cloud infrastructure, networking, security, programming, databases and AI fundamentals. The re/Start training will include instructor-led sessions, practical exercises and mentorship.

Participants who complete the programme will receive an AWS certification and access to interview opportunities with local employers, as reported by Business Standard. The initiative will also include a national hackathon, where participants will present cloud and AI projects, according to the same report.

Addressing Challenges in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities

A ministry statement said the programme aims to address challenges faced by youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including limited access to globally recognised technical training, few connections to technology employers, and a lack of credentials needed to compete for cloud and AI roles. For business and policy context, the launch comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, announced a plan to provide AI skills training to one crore youth over the next year, as noted by Business Standard.