Skilling India’s Youth for an AI-Driven Tomorrow

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the World Youth Skills Day (WYSD), which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. As AI and advancements in technology are reshaping our world, this year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills” aligns with this transformation and urges nations to act proactively on changing market demands. 

 In today’s fast-evolving market landscape, AI skills have become critical enablers of competitiveness and innovation. As industries rapidly digitize, professionals equipped with AI capabilities, ranging from data analysis and machine learning to automation and predictive modeling, are better positioned to solve complex problems, optimize operations and drive strategic decision-making. With businesses increasingly relying on intelligent systems to adapt, personalize, and scale, AI proficiency is no longer a niche skill but a core competency for the future workforce across sectors.

India and its Youth 

India has the largest youth population in the world, with 65% of its people under the age of 35. This demographic dividend, coupled with strategic skill development, positions India as not just a driver of its own economic growth but also a pivotal contributor to the global workforce.

According to the India Skills Report 2025, India’s median age of 32 and rising employability of its talent has made it a top destination for recruiters across industries. This is further amplified by India’s focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and automation, reshaping traditional job roles and creating new opportunities.

Government Initiatives to Empower Youth with AI Skills

The Government has also joined hands with Intel India to launch YUVAi- Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI program to foster a deeper understanding of AI and equip school students to become human-centric designers and users of AI.

The recent Budget 2025-26 also announced  a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) for AI in education to promote better adaptation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital learning. The National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skilling Framework, prepared by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is also crucial for India’s roadmap to enhanced AI skilling across the country.

Similarly, parallel flagship programs like Make in India, Startup India, Stand-up India, Digital India, and Housing for All are also stimulating job creation by promoting innovation, digitalization, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing excellence

The promise of opportunities for India’s youth is immense.  India’s IT industry, which has been witnessing rapid growth, has been at the forefront of providing talent for digital transformation across the world. As the world faces labour shortages, especially in high-tech and sustainability-focused sectors, Indian youth will be instrumental in shaping the global workforce.

The Way Forward

Investing in high-demand skills such as Generative AI Modeling, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity is essential, not only to meet domestic industry needs but also to position India as a global leader in talent mobility. It is crucial for all stakeholders to integrate traditional learning methods with AI-enabled platforms, creating an education system that is truly future-ready. As youth increasingly use AI and Generative AI tools, robust data privacy regulations, including appropriate age restrictions, must be established to protect them. Moreover, for AI to be a trusted partner at individual, institutional, and systemic levels, ethical considerations must be thoroughly addressed.

As India’s youth harness AI and tech capabilities, they will lead the nation toward new frontiers of innovation, inclusivity, and global leadership—transforming challenges into opportunities and shaping a prosperous future for all.