MSDE’s free AI skilling programme SOAR sees 2.1 lakh+ enrolments; UP leads sign-ups

Government-backed AI course gains traction nationwide

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has said its free-of-cost AI course under the “Skilling for AI Readiness” (SOAR) programme has taken off, with enrolments crossing 2.1 lakh learners. The uptake, reported across multiple states, is being positioned as an early indicator of how quickly AI has entered mainstream career planning for students, job seekers and working professionals.

According to the report, Uttar Pradesh has the highest enrolment numbers, followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The spread of participation suggests that interest is not confined to major metro centres alone, as candidates look for short, accessible learning pathways that improve employability and keep them relevant in an AI-influenced job market.

Why SOAR matters for India’s tech workforce

Large-scale skilling programmes are increasingly seen as critical infrastructure for India’s tech and services economy, especially as companies incorporate AI into customer support, marketing, analytics, software development and operations. A high-enrolment initiative like SOAR also provides policymakers with real-time feedback on learner demand, language needs and the kinds of AI modules that attract the most attention.

• MSDE’s “Skilling for AI Readiness” (SOAR) is a free AI course initiative.
• Enrolments have crossed 2.1 lakh, indicating strong demand for AI upskilling.
• UP leads in sign-ups, followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
• The programme is pitched as a step towards building an AI-ready workforce at scale.

As AI adoption expands across sectors, the effectiveness of such courses will be assessed not only by enrolments but also by completion rates, learner outcomes and whether participants can translate training into jobs, internships, promotions or new business opportunities.