India Launches Nationwide AI and Cloud Training Drive for 1.5 Lakh Learners

India has launched a nationwide artificial intelligence and cloud-computing skilling programme aimed at providing 1.5 lakh learners with foundational knowledge of emerging digital technologies, while preparing a smaller group for employment-oriented cloud roles.

The initiative has been announced by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). It will operate across all states and Union Territories, with particular emphasis on young people from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and underserved communities.

Under the first stage, 1.5 lakh participants will receive foundational training in AI and cloud technologies through AWS digital-learning content. The programme will use a fully online model, allowing learners from different parts of the country to participate without depending on access to major technology or educational centres.

From this wider pool, 10,000 learners will be provided more intensive training through AWS re/Start, a workforce-development programme designed to prepare participants for cloud-related careers. Training will cover areas including cloud infrastructure, networking, security and artificial-intelligence fundamentals.

AWS describes re/Start as a cohort-based programme intended to prepare people for entry- to mid-level cloud careers through structured technical training. Participants completing the programme can also receive an AWS re/Start digital badge, while collaborating organisations can connect graduates with potential employers.

Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayant Chaudhary said the programme supports India’s ambition to become a global centre for innovation, technology and skilled talent. He stressed that opportunities created by AI and cloud computing should extend beyond major metropolitan centres so that young people in smaller cities can also acquire skills required for emerging jobs.

The initiative comes as AI, cloud platforms and digital infrastructure increasingly become central to sectors ranging from manufacturing and financial services to healthcare, logistics and government services. India is consequently seeking to expand its pool of workers capable of using and managing these technologies rather than limiting advanced digital skills to specialised engineering graduates.

AWS already operates broader education and workforce programmes in India, including its Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, which brings together educational institutions, employers and government organisations to align training with industry demand for roles such as cloud engineers, administrators and DevOps professionals.

By combining large-scale introductory training with a more intensive pathway for 10,000 job-focused participants, the new initiative seeks to create a broader pipeline of AI- and cloud-ready talent. Its nationwide reach could be particularly significant for learners outside India’s traditional technology hubs, where access to specialised digital training and industry-linked programmes has historically been more limited.