EY, Microsoft Launch Program to Close Gap in AI Skill in India
Free, self-paced lessons in English and Hindi target students and early-career professionals with job-ready AI basics.
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[Image creative: Chetan Jha/MITSMR India]
EY and Microsoft Corp. have rolled out a free online program in India to train people in artificial intelligence, aiming to narrow a skills gap that industry groups said is holding back adoption.
The AI Skills Passport targets learners aged 16 and above and offers roughly 10 hours of modular videos, practical exercises and asynchronous assessments in English and Hindi.
The companies said the India release aligns with a global rollout earlier this year that has drawn more than 40,000 enrollments and more than 13,000 completions to date.
The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, responsible AI and sector use cases in areas such as healthcare, finance and technology, using real-world case studies.
It also includes career modules on résumé writing, interview preparation and networking to help participants translate coursework into job opportunities.
“In an era where AI is revolutionizing work and redefining career paths, the launch of the AI Skills Passport is a panacea for India’s growing demand for skilled AI talent as many professionals remain unprepared to harness AI’s full potential,” said Monesh Dange, partner and leader, Alliances and Ecosystems, EY India.
Bhaskar Basu, enterprise partnerships leader at Microsoft India and South Asia, said the program “brings high-quality AI learning in English and Hindi to expand access and accelerate progress toward Microsoft’s goal of equipping 10 million Indians with essential AI skills by 2030.”
The push comes as Indian employers step up pilots and deployments of generative AI but report uneven preparedness among staff. Industry lobby Nasscom said only 31% of professionals feel well prepared to use AI tools.
Companies across IT services, banking and manufacturing have launched internal academies and certification tracks, while state and central agencies expand digital literacy programs.
India’s schools are moving in the same direction. The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced plans to make AI a mandatory subject from Class III starting in the 2026–27 academic year, part of a broader push to build digital skills early.
The EY and Microsoft program is designed for flexible, self-paced study and will be available nationwide through partner institutions and online channels.
They said the initiative complements existing workforce programs and can be used by universities and vocational institutes as a ready module for introductory AI. For employers, the companies pitched the passport as a baseline credential that signals familiarity with responsible use, basic prompt techniques and common enterprise scenarios.
