In a significant advancement for skill-based education, students at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India can now explore career opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a new foundational module. This initiative, a collaboration between the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), introduces a blended curriculum that brings AI skills and awareness directly to ITI classrooms.
The initiative integrates a 7.5-hour module titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” into the existing 120-hour Employability Skills curriculum. Designed to help students understand the impact of AI on jobs, industries, and daily tasks, the course covers topics such as “Understanding AI,” “Types of AI,” “Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries,” and “Using AI Responsibly.”
A chapter on “Exploring Careers with AI” allows students to explore career paths that align with their skills and interests, using AI-powered tools that suggest personalized job pathways and introduce career possibilities previously unknown to them.
Launched by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, this module will be implemented in over 14,600 ITIs nationwide starting November. Minister Chaudhary noted that this foundational course aims to spark curiosity and expose students to AI’s practical applications, saying, “The program will show students how AI enhances daily tasks, inspiring them to explore AI’s vast potential.”
Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, added that understanding AI’s real-world applications is crucial for the workforce of the future. “This curriculum lays a strong foundation, enabling students to smoothly transition from school to work while fostering a sense of responsibility in AI use,” he remarked.
In addition to career preparation, the module aligns with India’s National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skills Framework. The curriculum’s interactive lessons provide insights into AI’s types, how it works, and its impact on global industries. Developed by the DGT and FRSN, a coalition of Accenture, Cisco, JP Morgan, and SAP Labs India, with support from Quest Alliance, this module strengthens the ITI ecosystem in India.
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Nikita Bengani, Director of the Youth Program at Quest Alliance, emphasized AI’s growing role in the workplace, noting, “By understanding AI’s workplace potential, young learners gain early exposure to essential skills. Using AI as a tool to learn about AI offers a unique, transformative approach to education.”
Upon completing the module, students will utilize AI tools to create digital content, support academic learning, and explore career paths. This proactive approach aims to equip young learners with essential skills for the rapidly evolving job landscape, setting a strong foundation in AI and early career planning.
