Skill India offers 5 free AI courses to boost digital capabilities

Skill India, through NSDC Academy and the SOAR initiative, is offering five free AI courses aimed at helping learners, educators, and young students understand and apply Artificial Intelligence across real-world contexts. The programs are structured, government-backed and industry-supported programs, designed for different age groups and education levels.

1. “AI for You” by Oracle India 

“AI for You” is a beginner-friendly programme created to help learners understand what Artificial Intelligence means and how it functions in real life. The course offers an easy introduction to concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, data science, and generative AI. It also covers business-focused applications, including the use of AI in Oracle Fusion Apps, and explains when organisations should buy or build AI solutions. The programme emphasises the importance of ethics and responsible use of AI, making it suitable for those who want to see how AI fits into their work.

This free AI course is offered in English and is delivered as a self-paced assessment. It is classified as a skill course under NSDC Academy, aligned to the Software Product Development domain and linked with occupations in Product Development and Delivery. There is no credit assignment or certification under this programme. Anyone above 18 years of age with a minimum qualification of 12th pass, ITI, or Diploma can apply, without requiring any prior industry experience or learning tools.

2. “SOAR – AI for Educators” by NASSCOM

This 10-hour programme is designed specifically for teachers and academic professionals who want to integrate AI tools into their teaching practice. “SOAR – AI for Educators” helps educators understand how AI can support lesson planning, assessments, personalised learning content, and classroom innovation. The curriculum covers generative AI fundamentals, prompt development, lesson plan integration, and ethical implications for both educators and students.

The course is delivered by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) under the SOAR initiative of the Government of India. It includes a Certificate of Completion and carries an NSQF Level 6 classification with 1.5 credits assigned. The programme falls under the Future Skills domain with occupations linked to Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. There is no capstone project requirement. The course is open to learners of any age, requires a graduate-level minimum education, and does not demand industry experience or additional tools.

3. “AI for Business Applications” by Saylor Academy

“AI for Business Applications” is a free, 11-hour programme that explains how AI, particularly generative AI, is transforming business operations and enabling new forms of innovation. The course guides learners through key concepts, terminology, and real-world use cases. It also focuses on prompt engineering for business contexts and demonstrates how generative AI can enhance operations and organisational strategy. Ethical considerations associated with AI usage are also included.

This AI course is provided by Saylor Academy in English as a self-paced learning experience. It offers a Certificate of Participation and is categorised as non–QP aligned with no credits assigned. The programme falls under NSDC Academy’s Future Skills domain with occupations related to Web and Mobile Development. There are no age limits or minimum education requirements, making it accessible to anyone. No industry experience is required, although internet access is needed to complete the course.

4. “SOAR – AI to be Aware” by HCL Technologies

“SOAR – AI to be Aware” is a 15-hour foundational course targeted at students. It provides awareness of AI applications along with essential cyber security basics. The programme introduces learners to generative AI concepts while helping them understand cyber safety and digital vulnerabilities relevant to young users.

The course is offered by HCL Technologies Ltd under the Government of India’s SOAR initiative. Learners receive a Certificate of Completion, and the programme carries an NSQF Level 2 rating with 0.5 credits assigned. It is structured under the Future Skills domain and associated with occupations in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. This course requires no capstone project or industry experience. Students of any age who have passed the 5th standard can enrol, and no additional learning tools are required.

5. “SOAR – AI to Acquire” by HCL Technologies

“SOAR – AI to Acquire” is a 15-hour course aimed at helping learners understand the fundamentals of generative AI and prompt engineering. It introduces learners to practical prompt creation, ethical AI awareness, and core cyber security concepts. The programme is suitable for individuals who want early exposure to AI and cyber security while building foundational digital skills.

Offered by HCL Technologies Ltd as part of the Government of India’s SOAR initiative, this course provides a Certificate of Completion and is assigned an NSQF Level 3 rating with 0.5 credits. It sits within the Future Skills domain with occupations mapped to Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. There is no capstone project, and the course is open to all age groups. The minimum education requirement is 8th pass, with no prior industry experience or learning tools needed.

Conclusion

These five free AI courses offered under Skill India and SOAR are structured to serve diverse learner groups, students, educators, working professionals, and beginners exploring AI for the first time. With flexible entry requirements, industry-backed training partners, and focused curricula, these programmes create an accessible pathway for developing AI literacy and foundational digital skills in India’s growing knowledge economy.