MSDE, Microsoft to train 2 lakh vocational students in AI under expanded partnership

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), through the Directorate General of Training (DGT), has expanded its partnership with Microsoft to introduce structured artificial intelligence (AI) education across India’s vocational training ecosystem.

Under the initiative, branded Microsoft Elevate WAVE (Workforce Augmentation with AI Skills in Vocational Education), the programme aims to equip 200,000 students with AI curriculum, credentials, certifications and job-linked opportunities. The rollout will cover more than 1,000 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 33 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across the country.

The initiative will offer advanced micro-degrees and industry-specific AI courses through implementation partners Edunet Foundation and Tata STRIVE, and is expected to connect students to nearly 30,000 job opportunities in emerging sectors.


The move is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to building an AI-ready workforce in India. The company has pledged to skill 20 million people in AI by 2030, doubling down on its January 2025 announcement, in collaboration with government bodies, industry partners and digital platforms.

“This partnership is a crucial step in modernising our vocational training system,” said Swati Sethi, Director, DGT, adding that embedding industry-aligned AI micro-degrees into ITIs and NSTIs would prepare students for current and future technology-driven roles.

AI micro-degrees and educator training

As part of Microsoft Elevate WAVE, four applied AI skilling programmes will be introduced for students and educators in government vocational institutions.

These include a 12-month, 1,200-hour AI Programming Assistant (AIPA) Micro Degree, accredited by DGT and set to be rolled out across NSTIs, offering hands-on training, Microsoft certifications and real-world project exposure. A 240-hour Skill Saksham Micro Degree will also be standardised nationally for IT and IT-enabled services students, focusing on job-ready AI skills.

The initiative also includes AI upskilling for 2,500 educators, with a 30-hour training module aimed at improving AI delivery in classrooms. Additionally, industry-specific AI curricula will be integrated into eight high-demand ITI trades—such as electrician, electronics mechanic and fashion design—reaching over 165,000 students through a mix of in-person and online training.

Industry-led implementation

Microsoft’s Antony Cook, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, formally launched the Microsoft Elevate WAVE initiative in Mumbai, highlighting the company’s focus on inclusive economic growth through AI education.

Corporate partners across sectors including IT, manufacturing, electronics, automobiles and fashion will help shape outcomes by setting up AI labs, co-designing course content, and supporting internships and placements. Edunet Foundation and Tata STRIVE will oversee large-scale training delivery, educator capacity building and industry-academia linkages.