India's AI Opportunity: Skill Up for Future-Ready Jobs

• AI presents a significant opportunity for India, with over 2.3 million AI sector job openings projected by 2027, but current trained worker supply will only cover half this need.
• India's skilling programs, like PMKVY, are expanding to include AI, drones, and robotics, but require "precision skilling" tailored to local economies and specific job roles.
• Bridging the skill gap requires co-designing curricula with industry, upskilling mid-career professionals, and fostering operational habits like reliability and adaptability alongside technical skills.
• A blended financing model involving public, private, and philanthropic funds, coupled with outcome-linked funding and independent audits, is crucial for scaling AI skilling initiatives.
• By focusing on reliability, adaptability, and stakeholder alignment, India can leverage its scale, youth, and digital reach to lead in the AI future, creating millions of skilled jobs.

Why It Matters: India can transform AI job threats into opportunities via targeted skilling and collaboration.