The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has teamed up with Meta to infuse cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) into India’s Skill India initiative. This collaboration is set to enhance digital learning and skill development, providing modern tools to empower India’s youth.
As part of the partnership, an AI-powered assistant will be launched to support the Skill India Mission, while five Centers of Excellence (CoEs) specializing in VR and MR will be established across National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai, and Kanpur.
“Our mission at the Ministry is to empower India’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape,” said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. “By integrating technologies like AI, VR, and MR into the Skill India ecosystem, we are democratising access to cutting-edge technologies enabling personalised learning pathways for the youth of the country. Today, our partnership with Meta is a significant step towards achieving this goal,” he added.
A key aspect of the partnership is the development of an AI chatbot using Meta’s open-source Llama model, which will be integrated into the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. This chatbot will provide round-the-clock assistance, giving users access to course information, lecture summaries, and video resources, all available in English, Hindi, and Hinglish, with voice support through WhatsApp.
Sarvam AI, the technical partner for the AI assistant, will develop and pilot the chatbot over the next six months. The initiative also aims to create a collaborative e-governance framework, leveraging Meta’s open-source AI models to promote large-scale socio-economic transformation in line with India’s AI mission.
Additionally, the five CoEs will provide learners and instructors with VR-based training tools, offering immersive and engaging environments for skill development. These centers will facilitate realistic simulations, boosting both accessibility and the overall effectiveness of vocational training programs.
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Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy at Meta India, emphasised the company’s commitment to driving India’s digital development. “At Meta, we are committed to leveraging frontier technologies like AI, VR, and MR to create a meaningful impact on the economic development of India,” he said.
“Through the integration of advanced technologies like Open-Source Llama we aim to empower not just the students, but also educators and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital-first world,” he added.
