India launches National AI Literacy Programme with free ‘YUVA AI for All’ course to prepare youth for digital future
India has taken a major step toward preparing its young population for an artificial intelligence–driven world with the launch of the National AI Literacy Programme and its flagship course, YUVA AI for All. The initiative, introduced earlier this month, aims to make basic understanding of artificial intelligence a life skill, much like reading, writing, or using the internet.
The programme was formally unveiled on January 6 in Jaipur during the Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Summit in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. It is part of the broader India AI Mission and aligns with the government’s long-term vision of building a Viksit Bharat, a developed and digitally confident India.
Officials say the goal is not to turn everyone into programmers, but to ensure that citizens understand what AI is, how it works, and how it affects their daily lives, jobs and rights.
Why AI literacy is becoming essential
Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to research labs or big technology companies. It is now used in smartphones, online education platforms, banking systems, government services, health care, and even creative industries. From recommendation systems to chatbots and automated decision-making, AI is shaping how people work, learn and interact.
Despite this rapid spread, a large section of the population remains unsure about what AI really is or how it functions. This knowledge gap can lead to fear, misuse, or exclusion from new opportunities. The National AI Literacy Programme seeks to address this challenge by making AI learning simple, practical and accessible to all.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said it was crucial for people, especially young Indians, to understand how AI works and how it can be used responsibly. He also pointed out that small businesses and entrepreneurs could significantly improve productivity and efficiency if they learn to use AI tools effectively.
What is ‘YUVA AI for All’?
At the centre of the new programme is YUVA AI for All, a short and easy-to-follow online course designed for beginners. It has been created for students, young professionals and anyone who is curious about AI but does not have a technical background.
The course takes around four to four-and-a-half hours to complete and is divided into six short modules. It introduces learners to:
- What artificial intelligence is and how it works
- Where AI is used in everyday life
- How AI supports learning, work and creativity
- Ethical and responsible use of AI
- The future of AI and emerging career opportunities
The course avoids technical jargon and uses examples from the Indian context, such as AI in education, public services, offices and creative fields. This makes it easier for first-time learners to relate to the content and understand how AI fits into real life.
Free access in 11 Indian languages
One of the most important features of YUVA AI for All is its wide accessibility. The course is offered free of cost and is available in 11 Indian languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.
Learners can access it through major digital learning platforms, including FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, DIKSHA, and other leading ed-tech portals. Because the course is self-paced, participants can complete it at their convenience using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
After finishing the course, learners receive an official certificate issued by the Government of India, which can be useful for academic records, job applications and skill profiles.
Targeting millions of learners
The government has set ambitious goals for the programme. According to officials, the National AI Literacy Programme aims to reach 10 lakh learners in its first year, with plans to scale up to millions of participants over time.
Institutions such as schools, colleges, training centres and universities are being encouraged to partner with the India AI Mission. They can integrate the course into their academic programmes, promote it among students and even co-brand the certificates.
The course content has been developed by AI expert Jaspreet Bindra, who has combined global best practices with India’s social and economic needs to ensure the material remains both relevant and practical.
Focus on ethics and responsible use
Beyond technical awareness, the programme places strong emphasis on ethical, safe and unbiased use of AI. As AI systems increasingly influence decisions in areas such as recruitment, finance and public services, understanding issues like data privacy, bias and transparency becomes essential.
Officials say that by educating citizens early, India can promote responsible innovation while reducing the risks of misuse or discrimination linked to automated technologies.
A step toward a digitally confident India
The National AI Literacy Programme and YUVA AI for All represent a shift in how India approaches technology education. Instead of limiting AI knowledge to experts, the government is trying to build a broad base of informed users who can take advantage of new tools while understanding their impact.
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply woven into everyday life, this initiative is expected to help young Indians stay competitive, support small businesses, and strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in the use of technology for public good.
