Parul
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced a strategic partnership with Meta to introduce two significant initiatives: an AI-powered assistant for the Skill India Mission and the establishment of five Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across five cities—Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai, and Kanpur.
AI Assistant to enhance Skill India Digital Portal
The new AI chatbot, powered by Meta’s open-source Llama model, will be integrated into the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. It aims to improve learner engagement and accessibility by offering 24/7 assistance through multiple platforms, including WhatsApp. Key features of the chatbot include:
- Interactive Q&A and lecture summaries: Easy access to course content, videos, and summaries for quick revisions.
- Course and job discovery: Personalised searches for courses, skilling centers, and job opportunities based on user interests and location.
- Multilingual support: Available in English, Hindi, and Hinglish, with voice-enabled responses to reach diverse learners across the country.
- Feedback and analytics: Provides continuous performance feedback and insights to MSDE for platform optimisation.
The AI assistant, developed by Sarvam AI, will undergo a six-month pilot phase to assess its impact. “This collaboration with Meta will democratise access to advanced technologies and create personalised learning pathways for India’s youth,” said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
CoEs for immersive learning experiences
In addition to the AI chatbot, MSDE and Meta are setting up five Centers of Excellence in VR and MR at key NSTIs. These CoEs will equip learners and instructors with immersive technologies, enabling students to engage in realistic simulations for safe, interactive skill development. Skillveri, a technical partner for this initiative, will provide VR and MR tools, curriculum, and specialised training resources.
A vision for collaborative e-Governance and digital empowerment
Meta aims to contribute to India’s digital transformation by leveraging open-source AI and immersive technologies to enhance learning outcomes. Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Meta India, said, “Through this partnership, we are bridging the gap between technology and education, empowering students, educators, and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital-first economy.”
The CoEs will foster innovation and engagement in the education sector, offering students the chance to develop critical skills in an immersive environment. By integrating AI, VR, and MR into the Skill India ecosystem, MSDE and Meta are taking a bold step toward aligning with India’s AI Mission for large-scale socio-economic transformation.
With the Skill India Digital Portal already serving millions of students, the addition of these new technologies will further revolutionise how learners access knowledge, interact with content, and prepare for future career opportunities.
