NSDC, AWS and Cultus Join Hands to Skill 1.5 Lakh Youth in Cloud, AI
Programme to provide 1.5 lakh learners with foundational AI and cloud training, while 10,000 participants will receive job-oriented AWS re/Start training.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and Cultus Education have launched a nationwide cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) skilling initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), aimed at expanding access to technology training and employment opportunities for youth across India, according to an official release issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on August 23, 2026.
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1.5 Lakh Learners to Receive Foundational AI and Cloud Training
The initiative will provide 1.5 lakh learners with foundational AI and cloud literacy through AWS digital training content, while 10,000 participants will receive intensive, job-oriented training through AWS re/Start, a free, cohort-based workforce development programme focused on building cloud computing skills and connecting trained candidates with employment opportunities.
Online Programme to Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
The programme, to be delivered entirely online by NSDC-selected delivery partner Cultus Education, will cover all states and Union Territories, with a focus on youth in underserved communities and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It seeks to address gaps in access to globally recognised technical training, industry connections and credentials required for cloud and AI careers.
“NSDC and Cultus, with AWS re/Start and AWS digital training content as the enablement programs, aim to address the challenges faced by youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities — including limited access to globally recognised technical training, few connections to technology employers, and an absence of credentials needed to compete for cloud and AI roles,” the Ministry said.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said, “This initiative reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat, where access to opportunity is not determined by geography or background. As India moves towards becoming a global hub for innovation, technology and talent, it is essential that our youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns also get the opportunity to equip themselves with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. Such initiatives will play an important role in building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready workforce, which is central to our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Rani Burchmore, APJC Lead, AWS Skilling and Social Impact, said, “AWS re/Start brings ‘net-new’ talent into the workforce, establishing a win-win-win scenario for individuals to launch successful careers in cloud, organisations to increase their competitive edge with in-demand talent, and communities to thrive and grow. We are proud to work with NSDC and Cultus Education to build the diverse, robust cloud workforce of the future, enabling organisations to accelerate their innovation with the AWS Cloud.”
Cultus Education Group Managing Director Nalin Singh said, “The true measure of skilling is whether learning translates into confidence, credentials and meaningful career opportunities. Our focus is to make globally relevant cloud and AI skills accessible beyond major metros, creating an outcome-led journey from learning and training to certification and employer connections.”
The Ministry said “the initiative is designed to create meaningful social and economic impact by expanding access to high-quality technology training and employment opportunities for youth across India, particularly in underserved and emerging talent hubs. Through its 100 percent online delivery model, learners from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can access training without relocating to metropolitan centres, creating pathways from foundational digital literacy to globally recognised credentials and employment opportunities.”
Under the programme, learners can register online and begin with AWS digital training content covering foundational AI and cloud concepts. Participants demonstrating readiness can progress to AWS re/Start, which offers structured, instructor-led training in cloud infrastructure, security, networking and AI fundamentals.
Graduates to Receive AWS Certification and Employer Connections
The training will include programming, networking, security and relational databases, supported by hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, professional mentors and accredited instructors. Graduates will earn an AWS Certification, an industry-recognised credential validating cloud computing skills, and receive access to qualified interview opportunities through connections with local employers.
National Hackathon to Showcase Cloud and AI Solutions
The programme will culminate in a National Hackathon, where participants will have an opportunity to showcase cloud and AI-based solutions before hiring managers, industry leaders and other stakeholders.
The initiative is expected to strengthen technology talent pipelines in emerging hubs while enabling young people to access training and employment opportunities without relocating to metropolitan centres. NSDC Chief Operating Officer Prashant Sinha was also present at the launch.
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