President of India Droupadi Murmu has announced the Skill The Nation Challenge, calling upon citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s growing artificial intelligence learning movement. The initiative urges people across sectors to enrol in the SOAR Skilling for AI Readiness course hosted on the Skill India Digital Hub, positioning AI literacy as a national priority for future-ready education and employment.
Describing the challenge as a critical step towards building a technologically empowered and inclusive society, the President highlighted the need for widespread awareness and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence. The initiative aligns with India’s long-term vision of nurturing digital confidence, ethical technology use and innovation-led growth.
The SOAR programme, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in July 2025, has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone of India’s AI skilling strategy. Designed as a set of structured micro-credential courses, SOAR caters to school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners. The programme focuses on simplifying AI concepts while emphasising ethical and responsible use. In just six months, more than 1.59 lakh learners from across the country have enrolled, with thousands completing certifications and gaining practical understanding of AI applications.
Demonstrating leadership by example, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary has completed the SOAR AI to be Aware module. Following his completion, he nominated three prominent leaders to take up the challenge, including Andhra Pradesh Information Technology and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh Rao, Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Gaurav Dwivedi, and All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang. The nominations aim to create a cascading effect, encouraging wider participation and reinforcing the message that AI learning must begin at the leadership level.
Addressing the occasion, Jayant Chaudhary said that India’s future workforce must be not only digitally aware but confident in artificial intelligence. He described SOAR as more than a skilling initiative, calling it a national mission to build curiosity, confidence and capability in AI, ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies regardless of geography or background.
The event also marked a symbolic moment for young learners, as 17 selected students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received AI course certificates from the President of India. The recognition underscored the programme’s emphasis on early exposure to future technologies.
Significantly, the initiative has seen strong participation from Parliament. Fifteen Members of Parliament from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have completed the SOAR AI module, reflecting a clear commitment within India’s highest democratic institution towards AI readiness and future-oriented governance.
Members of Parliament Who Completed the SOAR AI Module
S No Name of MP House
1 Chandan Singh Chauhan Lok Sabha
2 Swati Maliwal Rajya Sabha
3 Ummendaram Ram Beniwal Lok Sabha
4 Narayan K Bhandage Rajya Sabha
5 Kamal Jeet Sehrawat Lok Sabha
6 Manju Sharma Lok Sabha
7 Shobhanaben Baraiya Lok Sabha
8 G M Harish Balayogi Lok Sabha
9 Sangeeta Yadav Rajya Sabha
10 Fauzia Khan Rajya Sabha
11 P V Abdul Wahab Rajya Sabha
12 Sujeet Kumar Rajya Sabha
13 Bijuli Kalita Medhi Lok Sabha
14 Haris Beeran Rajya Sabha
15 P P Chaudhary Lok Sabha
With the Skill The Nation Challenge, the government aims to transform AI awareness into a mass movement, reinforcing India’s ambition to build a future-ready workforce capable of leading in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.
