The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Cultus Education have launched a nationwide cloud and artificial intelligence skilling initiative. Amazon Web Services (AWS) supports the programme.
The initiative will give 150,000 learners access to basic AI and cloud training through AWS digital learning content. In addition, 10,000 participants will receive intensive, job-ready training through AWS re/Start.
AWS re/Start is a free training programme that helps people build cloud computing skills. It also prepares participants for employment and connects them with local employers. As a result, graduates can access qualified interview opportunities.
Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
The initiative focuses on young people in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Many young people in these areas have limited access to advanced technology training. Moreover, they may have fewer links to technology employers and fewer opportunities to gain industry-recognised credentials.
To address these challenges, NSDC and Cultus Education will provide the programme entirely online. The initiative will cover all states and Union Territories. In addition, it will give priority to youth from underserved communities.
Cultus Education, the NSDC-selected delivery partner, will manage the online delivery. Therefore, learners can access the training without moving to a major metropolitan centre.
This approach aims to create a clear path from basic digital learning to advanced technical skills. At the same time, it can help learners work towards recognised credentials and employment opportunities.
Building Skills for Future Jobs
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said the initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat.
He said access to opportunity should not depend on geography or background. Moreover, he stressed the need to help young people in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns gain skills for future jobs.
According to Shri Chaudhary, such programmes can help India build an inclusive and future-ready workforce. Furthermore, he linked this effort to the wider goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Rani Burchmore, APJC Lead, AWS Skilling & Social Impact, said AWS re/Start helps bring new talent into the workforce. In addition, she said the programme can benefit job seekers, employers and local communities.
AWS is working with NSDC and Cultus Education to build a strong cloud workforce. As organisations continue to use cloud technology, the programme aims to help participants develop skills that employers need.
From Basic Learning to AWS Certification
Learners can register online and begin with AWS digital training content. First, they will develop basic knowledge of AI and cloud computing at their own pace.
Next, participants who show the required readiness can move to AWS re/Start. This stage offers instructor-led training in cloud infrastructure, security, networking and AI fundamentals.
In addition, participants will learn programming, networking, security and relational databases. The training will combine coursework with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios. Therefore, learners can apply their technical knowledge to practical situations.
Professional mentors and accredited instructors will also support participants during the training. As a result, learners can build both technical knowledge and practical skills.
The programme also places strong emphasis on recognised credentials. After completing the training, graduates will earn an AWS Certification. This credential validates their cloud computing skills.
Furthermore, graduates will receive access to qualified interview opportunities. The programme will connect them with local employers and create a pathway from training to potential employment.
National Hackathon to Conclude the Programme
The learning journey will conclude with a National Hackathon. During the event, participants will use their cloud and AI skills to develop and present solutions.
The hackathon will give learners an opportunity to showcase their work before hiring managers, industry leaders and other stakeholders. At the same time, it will allow participants to demonstrate the practical skills they developed during the programme.
Nalin Singh, Group Managing Director, Cultus Education, said the true measure of skilling goes beyond completing a course. Instead, he said learning should build confidence, provide credentials and create meaningful career opportunities.
He also said Cultus Education aims to make globally relevant cloud and AI skills available beyond India’s major metropolitan centres. Therefore, the initiative seeks to give young people in emerging talent hubs greater access to technology training.
Prashant Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, NSDC, was also present at the launch.
Overall, the initiative brings together online learning, technical training, certification and employer connections. In particular, its focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities aims to widen access to cloud and AI skills.
By combining foundational learning with job-ready training, the programme can help learners move from basic digital knowledge to practical technology skills. Ultimately, NSDC, Cultus Education and AWS aim to create wider pathways for young people to gain recognised credentials and pursue employment opportunities in the cloud and AI sector.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
