EY, Microsoft collaborate to bridge AI skills gap in India

With the objective of bridging the AI skills gap in India, EY and Microsoft have together launched the AI Skills Passport. This online programme will be available free of cost to the youth of the country, providing them with equitable access to high-quality AI education. The minimum age for eligibility is 16.

Key topics covered by the programme include the fundamentals of AI, responsible AI practices, and AI applications across various industries such as healthcare, finance and technology, illustrated through real-world case studies.

Learners will also participate in hands-on exercises and case studies to apply their knowledge and enhance their skills. Additionally, the programme emphasises career readiness, providing insights into résumé building, interview preparation and networking strategies for aspiring professionals in the AI field.

According to Bhaskar Basu, enterprise partnerships leader, Microsoft India & South Asia, “The AI Skills Passport, launched in partnership with EY, reflects our vision of ‘AI for all’ and our commitment to fostering future-ready talent. It brings high-quality AI learning in English and Hindi to expand access and accelerate progress towards Microsoft’s goal of equipping 10 million Indians with essential AI skills by 2030, which will bridge the skills gap and create job-linked opportunities for students and early-career professionals.”

The programme is designed to create social impact by equipping early-career professionals and students with essential, job-ready AI skills.

The fully online, free learning programme will offer about 10 hours of content, in both English and Hindi to ensure broad accessibility. The programme features modular video content, practical exercises, and asynchronous assessments, allowing learners to engage at their own pace.

Earlier this year, the programme was rolled out globally and has already witnessed at least 40,000 enrolments with more than 13,000 having completed the course.

As per NASSCOM data, only 31 per cent of professionals in India feel they are prepared enough to use AI tools. The

AI Skills Passport will help such individuals upskill and be future-ready for an increasingly digital landscape.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a verifiable digital badge, enhancing their job profiles and career prospects in an AI-driven economy.

Monesh Dange, partner and leader, alliances and ecosystems, EY India, said, “In an era where AI is revolutionising work and redefining career paths, the launch of the AI Skills Passport is a panacea for India’s growing demand for skilled AI talent as many professionals remain unprepared to harness AI’s full potential. Together with Microsoft, we’re committed to ensuring this programme is not only free but also impactful at scale by ensuring access for everyone to build AI skills.”