EY, Microsoft Launch AI Skills Passport To Equip Young Indians With Job-Ready AI Expertise

EY and Microsoft introduced the AI Skills Passport in India on October 12, following a successful global rollout that has already enrolled over 40,000 participants, with more than 13,000 completing the programme.

The initiative aims to address India’s AI skills deficit, highlighted by NASSCOM’s finding that only 31 per cent of professionals feel prepared to use AI tools effectively.

Monesh Dange, Partner and Leader, Alliances and Ecosystems, EY India, stated, “In an era where AI is transforming work and redefining career paths, the AI Skills Passport provides India’s youth with crucial, job-ready skills. Our goal is to make AI education accessible, impactful, and scalable.”

The AI Skills Passport is a fully online programme, offering approximately 10 hours of content in both English and Hindi to ensure wide accessibility.

The curriculum includes modular video lessons, practical exercises, and asynchronous assessments, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.

The programme covers AI fundamentals, responsible AI practices, and applications across industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology.

It integrates real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and career guidance, including résumé building, interview preparation, and networking strategies, to enhance participants’ employability.

Certification and Career Impact

Participants who successfully complete the programme receive a verifiable digital badge, which strengthens their job profiles and career prospects in the AI-driven economy.

This initiative not only equips youth with technical knowledge but also provides practical skills to apply AI in professional contexts.

Bhaskar Basu, Enterprise Partnerships Leader, Microsoft India & South Asia, said, “AI is transforming India’s digital economy, with the youth at its core. The AI Skills Passport, launched in partnership with EY, embodies our vision of ‘AI for all’ and reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready talent.”

The collaboration between EY and Microsoft highlights a broader push to bridge the AI skills gap in India.

By providing accessible, high-quality AI education, the AI Skills Passport empowers young Indians to thrive in an AI-driven workforce and strengthens the country’s digital economy.

This initiative exemplifies how public-private partnerships can create sustainable pathways for skill development, offering scalable solutions to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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