SOAR Program India: Revolutionizing AI Education in Schools

On July 23, 2025, India took a bold step toward shaping a tech-savvy future with the launch of the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) program at the BharatSkillNxt 2025 event in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), this initiative aims to embed artificial intelligence (AI) education into school curricula for students in Classes 6 to 12. By fostering AI literacy and practical skills, SOAR is set to make India home to the world’s largest AI-ready school population. This article explores the SOAR program, its modules, its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and its potential to transform education in India.

What is the SOAR Program?

The SOAR program India is a national initiative designed to equip students and educators with foundational AI skills, ensuring they are ready for a digital future. Launched as part of the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission, SOAR targets students from Classes 6 to 12 and includes a dedicated module for teachers. The program’s goal is to bridge the digital divide, making AI education accessible to students in rural and underserved areas, while aligning with global technological trends.

According to Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, “In the next six months, India’s school-going population can become the world’s largest network of young learners actively engaging with AI, not just learning about it but applying it in meaningful ways.”

Key Features of the SOAR Program

• Target Audience: Students in Classes 6-12 and educators across India.
• Structure: Three 15-hour student modules and one 45-hour teacher module.
• Focus Areas: AI basics, generative AI, ethics, cybersecurity, programming, and career pathways.
• Inclusivity: Emphasizes outreach to rural areas and gender balance.

SOAR Program Modules: A Closer Look

The SOAR program is structured into three progressive 15-hour modules for students and a comprehensive 45-hour module for educators. These modules are designed to build AI literacy and practical skills step-by-step, ensuring students are both aware of AI and capable of applying it.

1. AI to be Aware

This introductory module covers the fundamentals of AI, including:

• Basic AI concepts like machine learning and natural language processing.
• AI’s role in daily life, such as virtual assistants and recommendation systems.
• Real-world examples to spark curiosity among young learners.

2. AI to Acquire

The second module focuses on hands-on learning, teaching students:

• Basic programming skills for AI applications.
• How to use widely available AI tools and platforms.
• Practical projects to apply AI in real-world scenarios.

3. AI to Aspire

The final student module emphasizes advanced concepts and future opportunities:

• AI ethics and responsible use of technology.
• Cybersecurity in AI applications.
• Career pathways in AI-driven industries like healthcare, agriculture, and IT.

4. AI for Educators

This 45-hour module empowers teachers to integrate AI into their teaching methods. It includes:

• Training on AI tools for lesson planning and personalized learning.
• Strategies to teach AI concepts effectively.
• Resources to foster digital literacy in classrooms.

Alignment with NEP 2020

The SOAR program aligns seamlessly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes vocational education, digital literacy, and skill development. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, noted, “NEP 2020 has mainstreamed vocational education and placed skills at the heart of India’s educational journey. SOAR builds true choice, mobility, and opportunity into the system.”

Key alignments include:

• National Credit Framework (NCrF): Students can earn credits for AI skills, enhancing their academic and career mobility.
• Inclusivity: SOAR prioritizes equitable access, ensuring students from rural and under-resourced communities gain AI skills.
• Future-Ready Workforce: The program prepares students for emerging job markets, supporting India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Global Partnerships and Industry Support

To ensure the SOAR program meets global standards, MSDE signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of the French Republic on July 23, 2025. This partnership focuses on:

• Joint curriculum development for AI education.
• Talent exchange programs.
• Innovation-driven training to align with global best practices.

Additionally, top technology firms collaborated with MSDE to develop the SOAR curriculum, ensuring it is industry-relevant and future-focused. The program’s blended learning approach combines online platforms like SWAYAM with hands-on workshops, and students receive digital certificates upon completion.

Why SOAR Matters for India’s Future

The SOAR program is more than an educational initiative—it’s a step toward positioning India as a global leader in the AI-driven economy. With over 250 million school students, India has a unique opportunity to create a massive AI-ready workforce. The program addresses critical challenges, such as:

• Digital Divide: By targeting rural and underserved areas, SOAR ensures equitable access to AI education.
• Skill Gap: Only 48.7% of Indian graduates are employable, according to the India Skills Report 2023. SOAR aims to bridge this gap by introducing skills early.
• Global Competitiveness: With AI markets in India projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025, SOAR prepares students to lead in this space.

How to Get Involved with SOAR

Students, educators, and parents can access the SOAR program through:

• Central Government Schools: Initial rollout in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and CBSE-affiliated schools.
• Online Platforms: Modules are available on SWAYAM and DIKSHA in English, Hindi, and regional languages.
• School Registration: Schools can register via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) at skillindiadigital.gov.in.

For the latest updates, visit msde.gov.in or follow official announcements from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

The SOAR program India, launched on July 23, 2025, is a game-changer for AI education in schools. By equipping students and teachers with AI skills, it aligns with NEP 2020 and prepares India’s youth for a tech-driven future. Whether you’re a student eager to explore AI or an educator looking to transform your classroom, SOAR offers the tools to succeed.

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