Microsoft
DGT
Edunet Foundation

DGT and Microsoft

AI Programming Assistant Course Empowering Future with Al: Learn, Innovate, Excel

In June 2023, Microsoft and Directorate General of Training (DGT) entered into collaboration though a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive the upskilling of the ITI and NSTI students around relevant technologies to enhance their employability through targeted interventions delivered by Edunet Foundation.

India has the world’s largest youth population, with 66% under age 35 and millions entering the workforce each year. By 2027, India is projected to have the world’s largest working-age population—nearly 1 billion people. Yet youth unemployment remains high. Graduate unemployment stands at 29%, driven by a growing gap between classroom learning and industry needs. According to the India Skills Report 2024, only 51% of youth are employable, with even lower rates among vocational graduates (40% for ITIs and 22% for polytechnics).

India’s vocational training ecosystem, led by the Directorate General of Training, includes 15,000+ ITIs training over 2 million students annually across 138 trades. Around 10 of these are IT-focused, with the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) course being one of the most popular. The network also includes 30+ National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).

Building on this foundation and the success of SkillSaksham, the AI Programming Assistant CTS (AI Micro-Degree) was launched in 2024 as a flagship initiative to provide advanced AI skills through a 1,600-hour structured curriculum, combining 1,200 foundational hours aligned with DGT’s NCVET curriculum and 400 advanced applied AI hours designed by Microsoft.

AI Programming Assistant CTS (AI Micro-Degree)

The Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Microsoft, presents a pioneering AI course tailored for vocational education students, responding to the swift evolution of job roles fueled by AI adoption across various sectors.

This comprehensive course spans 1,600 hours over twelve months, encompassing theoretical AI concepts and practical applications through lectures, assignments, virtual project-based learning experience and assessments.

The course aims to build a workforce capable of pursuing careers in AI and create pathways for students transitioning from vocational education to AI-focused professions.

  • The AICTS is operational 22 NSTIs in 15 states. The program is delivered in an instructor-led training approach, with dedicated Master Trainers deployed to deliver 1,600 hours of curriculum.
  • The training comprises of 1,200 hours of NCVET-aligned content along with an additional 400 hours of Applied AI content, curated to help students understand industry use cases of AI. It is supported by hands-on learning, the creation of capstone projects, and Microsoft credentialing-linked courses offered to students.
  • Program Certification will be jointly administered by DGT and Microsoft, with placement support extended to all eligible students.
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SkillSaksham

Edunet Foundation (EF) in collaboration with Microsoft and Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India plans to implement experiential training programs for the students from vocational education institutes to drive their skilling towards building capacity in the future skills ensuring better readiness and preparing upcoming workforce for the jobs of the future.

  • Facilitating the adoption of industry-relevant technology and nurturing professional competencies in young individuals for career advancement.
  • To harness partnerships with stakeholders like DGT & DETs to execute the training.
  • Ensuring a smooth transition from education to employment through job placements and trained students
  • Creating skilled talent pool to meet future workforce requirements and industry demand.
  • To certify learners and support them with job/internship/apprenticeship opportunities.
As an extension, the curriculum is currently undergoing validation by NCVET and is being introduced as part of the institute’s academic framework to strengthen student employability.
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