EY, Microsoft roll out 'AI Skills Passport' course in India
The firms have launched a free, 10‑hour AI learning programme in India for people aged 16+, offering a verifiable credential and job‑readiness support, as part of a broader EY–Microsoft social‑impact push to close the country’s AI skills gap.
EY and Microsoft have introduced a free “AI Skills Passport” course aimed at helping India’s students and early‑career professionals build practical artificial intelligence capabilities, in a bid to narrow the country’s fast‑widening skills gap.
The online programme will target youth and entry‑level talent with short, job‑ready learning.
The AI Skills Passport reportedly offers a self‑paced, roughly 10‑hour curriculum covering AI fundamentals, responsible use, and real‑world applications across sectors.
Content will be delivered in English and Hindi for accessibility, and people who complete the course will receive a verifiable digital credential. The initiative is part of EY Ripples, the firm’s global corporate‑responsibility programme.
Why it matters for India’s workforce
Employer demand for AI skills has been rising sharply while access to training has lagged. EY’s programme page has highlighted external research showing more job posts seeking AI skills even as only about one in ten workers reported receiving AI‑specific training from employers—underscoring the need for scalable, entry‑level learning.
With this course, learners will progress through modular video lessons, exercises and assessments, with access to job‑readiness guidance such as CV tips and interview preparation.
The programme has been free to join, open to individuals aged 16 and above, and accessible on web and mobile.
Leadership and alignment with national skilling goals
EY Global Chair and CEO Janet Truncale has led the professional‑services organisation since 1 July 2024, as the firm has expanded AI‑related skilling and social‑impact initiatives.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has set a parallel goal to equip 10 million people in India with AI skills by 2030, alongside a US$3 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure—moves that have aligned with the Skills Passport’s emphasis on broad‑based access to training.
What happens next
EY has said it will work with non‑profits to extend mentorship and career guidance so students from economically weaker backgrounds can benefit from the AI Skills Passport, signalling a focus on scale and inclusion as the programme expands.
Recent developments in the AI skills race
Microsoft has announced a US$3 billion plan to expand AI and cloud capacity in India and has committed to training 10 million people in AI skills by 2030.
Accenture LearnVantage has partnered with IIT Madras’s Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research to deliver specialised skilling for software‑defined vehicles in India.
Deloitte has unveiled a Global AI Simulation Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of its multi‑year GenAI investment, underscoring intensifying competition for AI talent and training.