Limitations of AI Skilling Programs in India: A Critical Analysis

At a time when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the maven of the contemporary technological boom, the need of AI skilling in India has become crucial for economic sustenance as well as to keep abreast of the global competition, if not to establish a competitive edge. In this article, it is explained in detail how AI is a golden avenue in skilling India for the future, which makes it a central question at present. The cruciality of AI skilling in India by engaging with its unique AI challenges and implications is highlighted through the prism of the present state of AI training.  The AI training programs have become a necessity for a country to get prepared for the technological paradigm shift that the AI revolution has brought with itself. The article discusses initiatives taken up by government and private sector to contribute for the AI skilling. Among all the various initiatives taken up by different organisations, NIELIT has successfully embarked in not only developing but implementing AI certification programs at ground level in India. However in spite of all the collaborative efforts there is still a huge gap that can be seen in the AI skilling patterns in India. The article has also shed light on the challenges, implications and potential solutions to increase the reach and bandwidth of the AI skilling initiatives in India.