Marking National Youth Day on January 12, the Centre highlighted the launch of the National AI Literacy Program and its flagship course YUVA AI FOR ALL, positioning it as a key initiative to equip young Indians with the skills and awareness needed for an AI-driven future.
The programme was formally launched earlier this month at the Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Summit in Jaipur on January 6, by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat, the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure, and India’s commitment to inclusive, responsible and democratic adoption of artificial intelligence.
At the heart of the programme is the YUVA AI FOR ALL foundational course, designed to make AI literacy a core life skill, in keeping with the spirit of Yuva Shakti celebrated on National Youth Day. With a duration of just over four hours, the course is structured as an inclusive entry point to AI learning and requires no prior technical background. Its curriculum covers the basics of artificial intelligence, the technology behind AI, practical uses of AI for learning and creativity, ethical considerations, and the future of AI.
Speaking on the need to build a nationwide movement around AI learning, Vaishnaw said it was essential for citizens – especially the youth – to understand what AI is, how it works, where it is used, and how it can be applied responsibly in daily life. He noted that small-scale enterprises, in particular, stand to benefit significantly from AI adoption to enhance productivity. The minister added that the National AI Literacy Program aims to mobilise 10 lakh learners over the next year.
The YUVA AI FOR ALL course will be available free of cost in 11 Indian languages – Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu—ensuring wide accessibility. Learners can access the course through major digital platforms such as FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, DIKSHA and other popular ed-tech portals. Upon completion, participants will receive an official certificate issued by the Government of India.
Officials described the programme as a significant step towards democratising access to AI knowledge and preparing citizens, particularly young people, for both the opportunities and responsibilities of an AI-driven future. Envisioned not as a one-time initiative but as the foundation of a sustained and scalable AI literacy movement, YUVA AI FOR ALL aims to bring together ministries, states, educational institutions, industry and digital platforms.
Through coordinated action and a focus on responsible innovation, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s leadership in the use of AI for public good while empowering its youth to play a central role in the country’s journey towards a developed and technologically confident future.
