The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with Microsoft, has unveiled a strategic initiative titled AI Careers for Women. Designed to empower women pursuing higher education, the program aims to bridge the gender gap in artificial intelligence by equipping students with industry-relevant AI skills. The initiative aligns with India’s vision for an innovation-driven economy, ensuring greater female workforce participation in the digital sector.
Under this collaboration, Microsoft has developed a 240-hour training curriculum within the AI Skilling and Innovation framework, structured in partnership with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training. The curriculum adheres to industry standards and will be delivered in a hub-and-spoke model across six states, integrating 30 Centres of Excellence at women’s colleges with 150 associated institutions in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing the role of collaborative efforts between the government and industry in shaping a future-ready workforce. He underscored the program’s alignment with India’s National Education Policy, stating that AI education for women will play a key role in accelerating an equitable digital economy.
The initiative will be implemented through Edunet Foundation, which will coordinate efforts among academic institutions, industry bodies, and corporate organizations. A structured training program will introduce learners to AI tools and real-world applications, benefiting approximately 20,000 students. Participants will gain hands-on experience through expert-led training, certifications, apprenticeships, fellowships, career guidance, and job opportunities in AI-driven roles.
Beyond technical skilling, the program aims to create economic opportunities for women in rural areas by fostering AI innovation. By enabling students to become developers and build AI applications, the initiative is expected to contribute to a growing talent pipeline for AI-related enterprises.
Microsoft Global Delivery Center Leader Aparna Gupta reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive skilling, noting that strengthening AI capacity in Tier-II and Tier-III towns will allow more women to shape the future of the digital workforce. The initiative builds on Microsoft’s existing partnerships with MSDE, focusing on accreditation, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities for rural women.
The AI Careers for Women program is positioned to expand digital career pathways and support India’s mission for equitable access to technology education. By embedding AI training within higher education curricula and aligning it with industry needs, the initiative seeks to transform individual career prospects while fostering national growth in AI innovation.
