Key Points
- NSDC partners with Cultus Education and AWS to train 1.6 lakh learners in cloud and AI skills
- Programme prioritises youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with 100 per cent online delivery
- 10,000 participants to receive intensive training through AWS re/Start with certification and job placement
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has launched a nationwide cloud computing and artificial intelligence skilling initiative in partnership with Cultus Education and Amazon Web Services (AWS), aiming to train 1.6 lakh learners across India with a focus on youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The programme will provide foundational cloud and AI literacy to 1.5 lakh learners through AWS digital training content, which consists of self-paced online courses covering the basics of cloud infrastructure and machine learning.
An additional 10,000 participants will receive intensive, job-ready training through AWS re/Start, a free instructor-led programme that teaches cloud computing skills over 12 weeks and connects graduates with employment opportunities at local employers.
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, including servers, storage and databases, over the internet rather than through local hardware. As businesses across sectors migrate their operations to cloud platforms, demand for workers who can build and manage these systems has grown sharply.
Tier 2 focus
Jayant Chaudhary, union minister of state (independent charge) for skill development and entrepreneurship and minister of state for education, said the initiative reflected the government’s Viksit Bharat vision.
“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,” he said.
The programme addresses a persistent gap in technology employment: while cloud and AI jobs are concentrated in metropolitan centres, candidates from smaller cities often lack access to recognised technical training, connections to technology employers and industry-standard credentials.
The 100 per cent online delivery model allows learners to access training without relocating to major metros.
Rani Burchmore, APJC lead for AWS skilling and social impact, said the re/Start programme brings new talent into the workforce.
“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,” she said.
Training pathway
Learners can enroll through an online registration portal and begin with self-paced AWS digital training content covering foundational AI and cloud concepts.
Those who demonstrate readiness can progress to the AWS re/Start programme, which provides structured instruction in cloud infrastructure, security, networking and AI fundamentals.
The curriculum includes programming, networking, security and relational databases, which are systems that store and organise data in tables that can be linked together.
By the numbers
- 1.5 lakh
- learners to receive foundational cloud and AI training
- 10,000
- participants for intensive AWS re/Start programme
- 100%
- online delivery model across all states
Training is delivered through scenario-based learning and hands-on labs with support from professional mentors and accredited instructors.
Graduates earn an AWS Certification, an industry-recognised credential validating cloud computing skills. The certification provides access to interview opportunities with employers through AWS’s hiring partner network.
Nalin Singh, group managing director at Cultus Education, said the focus was on creating outcomes.
“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,” he said.
The initiative will span all states and union territories, with the learning journey concluding in a National Hackathon where participants can demonstrate their cloud and AI solutions to hiring managers and industry leaders. Prashant Sinha, chief operating officer at NSDC, was present at the launch.
Your Questions, Answered
How many people will be trained under the NSDC-AWS skilling programme?
The programme aims to provide foundational cloud and AI literacy to 1.5 lakh learners through online courses and intensive job-ready training to 10,000 participants through the AWS re/Start programme.
What is AWS re/Start and how does it work?
AWS re/Start is a free, instructor-led workforce development programme that teaches cloud computing skills over 12 weeks. Participants learn programming, networking, security and databases through hands-on labs and earn AWS Certification upon completion.
Who is eligible for the NSDC cloud and AI training programme?
The programme prioritises youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across all states and union territories. Learners can enroll through an online registration portal and begin with self-paced training before progressing to intensive instruction.
What certification do graduates receive from the programme?
Graduates earn an AWS Certification, an industry-recognised credential validating cloud computing skills. The certification provides access to interview opportunities with employers through AWS's hiring partner network.
