New Delhi | Date: July 24, 2025 | ⏱️ Read Time: 4 minutes
Summary: The Ministry of Skill Development’s SOAR programme is a bold move to get kids in classes 6 to 12 hooked on AI with online lessons and real-world projects. It’s all about turning students into tech wizards ready to rule the digital future. But what’s got the government so pumped about AI in classrooms? Let’s break it down and see what’s cooking!
SOAR: Kicking Off an AI Revolution in Schools!
India’s gearing up to take the tech world by storm, and it’s starting right in our classrooms! On July 22, 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) rolled out the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) programme to teach artificial intelligence to students in classes 6 to 12. This isn’t just about learning to code—it’s about giving kids and their teachers the tools to shine in a world run by tech. So, why’s the government betting big on AI in schools? Let’s dig into the details and uncover what’s fueling this exciting push!
Article हिंदी में पढ़े : SOAR Program 2025: क्या है SOAR प्रोग्राम ? जल्द ही लागू करने के लिए सरकार क्यों दे रही है ज़ोर?
What Is the SOAR Programme?
- The Big Idea: SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) is a nationwide mission to make students AI-savvy, teaching them the nuts and bolts of AI, coding basics, and how to use it responsibly. It’s about getting kids ready to lead the global tech charge.
- What’s on the Menu?: It’s got three 15-hour modules—AI to Be Aware (the basics), AI to Acquire (getting hands-on), and AI to Aspire (thinking big about AI’s future). Plus, there’s a 45-hour course just for teachers called AI for Educators to help them guide the next gen.
- What Kids Will Learn: From machine learning and neural networks to how AI powers everyday stuff like phone apps, plus coding 101, cybersecurity, and even what AI jobs look like. Oh, and they’ll dive into using AI ethically, so it’s all above board.
- How It’ll Roll Out: Think online classes mixed with cool, hands-on workshops. Schools will get a nudge to set up AI labs and clubs to keep the learning vibe going strong.
- Where It’s Starting: The programme’s hitting the ground running in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and CBSE schools, with big plans to go nationwide soon.
Why Is the Government So Hyped About This?
- NEP 2020’s Big Dream: The National Education Policy 2020 is all about practical, skill-based learning, and SOAR is a major step to make that happen, turning classrooms into hubs for future-ready skills.
- Keeping Up with the World: Countries like Singapore and Finland are already teaching AI to kids. India’s jumping in so our students can go toe-to-toe with global tech champs.
- Girls in the Tech Game: SOAR’s got a special focus on getting more girls into STEM, breaking down barriers and shrinking the gender gap in tech fields.
What Are the Challenges?
- Infrastructure Woes: Many rural schools are stuck without computer labs or reliable internet, which could put a damper on things.
- Teacher Troubles: X users like @CodeGuruManoj are asking, “Where are the AI-trained teachers?” Training enough educators is a big hurdle.
- Awareness Gap: Some schools and parents still need convincing that AI isn’t just sci-fi—it’s a must-have skill for the future.
What’s the Buzz?
On X, SOAR is being called a “game-changer for India’s tech future.” @MSDESkillIndia says it’ll create “the world’s largest AI-ready student network.” Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary claims that within six months, Indian school kids will not only learn AI but use it to solve real-world problems. But some skeptics warn that without proper infrastructure, this could just be another big promise.
Why’s Everyone Talking About This?
SOAR isn’t just another school programme—it’s a cornerstone of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision for 2047. It’s about empowering kids to shine in fields like healthcare, education, and tech on a global stage. If it succeeds, millions of Indian students could be ready for high-skill jobs of the future. The big question: can the government make it work in every school, or will it fizzle out as just another bold idea?
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