Free AI Training Scheme Announced - Apply Online, Benefits & Eligibility

Central Government has announced a Free AI Training Scheme for 10 lakh citizens from all backgrounds, especially those living in rural India, with essential skills in artificial intelligence. Find out how to apply online, who is eligible, and what benefits you will get from this new free AI training scheme.

Introduction: Transforming India with the Free AI Training Scheme

On July 16, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, made an announcement for India’s digital future. The “Free AI Training Scheme for 10 Lakh Citizens” aims to equip people from villages, towns, and cities with artificial intelligence skills for free. The scheme will be implemented through the vast CSC (Common Service Centre) network, making it easy for every eligible Indian to participate.

This new scheme is part of the government’s Digital India program and is designed to bridge the gap between urban and rural technology access. For the first time, AI training will reach the grassroots level, making India ready for future jobs and opportunities.

What is Free AI Training Scheme?

Free AI Training Scheme is a government-funded program that will provide structured and certified artificial intelligence (AI) training to 10 lakh (1 million) people across India. This includes young people, students, job seekers, women, and especially Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who operate the CSCs.

The scheme’s main objective is to provide world-class digital skills to ordinary citizens, so that everyone has a chance to benefit from the AI revolution, no matter where they live.

Why is the Free AI Training Scheme Important?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming every sector, from agriculture to healthcare, banking, and education. However, most rural and semi-urban citizens do not have access to quality AI training. This scheme will:

Bridge the digital divide between villages and cities.
Help people find better jobs and business opportunities.
Encourage more women and youth to take part in the digital economy.
Support local entrepreneurs (VLEs) to provide new-age services through CSCs.

Benefits of Free AI Training Scheme

The scheme brings many benefits for different groups:

Skill Development: Every participant will learn the basics of AI and how to use AI tools in their daily life or job.
Employment Opportunities: AI skills are in high demand, opening doors to new jobs and freelance work.
Women’s Empowerment: By giving priority to women VLEs, the scheme supports gender equality in technology.
Rural Upliftment: AI training at the village level will encourage more innovation and entrepreneurship in rural India.
Affordable Learning: Since the training is fully free, anyone can apply without worrying about fees.

Scheme Implementation

The free AI training scheme will be managed by CSC SPV (Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited), under the Ministry of Electronics & IT. CSCs have played a major role in India’s digital journey, delivering government and business services at the village level. There are now over 5.5 lakh CSCs, making it one of the largest digital service delivery networks in the world.

Coverage and Target Groups

Free AI Training Scheme is open to all Indian citizens, with priority given to the following groups:

Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs): VLEs will be the first to receive training, as they are the backbone of the CSC network.
Women: Over 74,000 women VLEs are active, and the scheme will further empower them with advanced skills.
Rural and Semi-Urban Youth: Special focus is on reaching young people in remote areas.
General Public: After VLEs and priority groups, remaining seats will be opened to other interested citizens.

Features of Free AI Training Scheme

A total of 10 lakh individuals will get free training, making it one of the largest AI skill programs in the world.
VLEs, who run CSCs at the local level, will get first preference. Their digital empowerment will multiply the scheme’s impact.
The scheme gives a strong push to women’s digital participation by offering priority and support to women VLEs and learners.
The training will cover AI basics, practical applications, and real-life use cases relevant to agriculture, health, banking, education, and more.
The entire process will be managed at CSCs, making it easy for people in remote areas to join.
Participants will receive official certificates upon successful completion of the training, helping them in jobs and self-employment.

Eligibility Criteria for Free AI Training Scheme

Eligibility for the scheme is simple and broad to ensure maximum participation:

Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
Age: Most likely, applicants should be at least 18 years old (official notification will confirm exact age).
VLE Priority: VLEs registered with CSC will get first preference.
Women and Youth: Women and rural youth are strongly encouraged to apply.
No Prior Knowledge Needed: No previous experience in AI or IT is required. Beginners can also join.

Apply Online – How to Register for Free AI Training Scheme

Application for the Free AI Training Scheme might be done online, using the CSC portal or any official portal dedicated for this scheme (may be launched soon). Here’s a tentative step-by-step guide on how to apply online:

Go to the official CSC website https://csc.gov.in or the dedicated AI training portal (might be announced soon).
On the homepage, find the “Free AI Training Scheme” or a similar option.
Click on the apply or register button. You may need to create an account using your mobile number and email, or log in with your existing CSC credentials if you are a VLE.
Enter your basic details such as name, age, gender, address, educational background, and whether you are a VLE.
Upload any required documents, such as identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc.), and possibly a passport-size photo.
Check your details carefully and submit the form online. You may receive an acknowledgment via SMS or email.
If selected, you will get a confirmation message with your batch details and training schedule.

Note: The official detailed notification and application window are expected to be released soon by the government and CSC SPV. Applicants are advised to regularly check the CSC official website and announcements.

Also Read: हरियाणा AI मिशन

Implementation and Monitoring

The implementation of free AI training scheme will be carried out through the extensive CSC network, ensuring coverage in nearly 90% of India’s villages. Each CSC will act as a training hub, making use of both online and offline teaching methods. The Ministry of Electronics & IT and CSC SPV will closely monitor the program to ensure transparency and quality.

Special measures will be taken to encourage women and youth from rural backgrounds to participate. There will also be focus on sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and small business, where AI can make a direct impact.

Progress of Digital India and CSC Network

Since its launch in 2015, Digital India has changed the face of the country’s technology landscape. India is now the world’s third-largest digital economy, and schemes like this are accelerating that growth. The CSC network, which began with just 83,000 centres in 2014, now serves the entire nation through more than 5.5 lakh centres. This strong foundation ensures the success of the Free AI Training Scheme.

FAQs

What is the Free AI Training Scheme for 10 Lakh Citizens?

It is a government initiative to provide free, certified artificial intelligence training to 10 lakh Indians, focusing on rural youth, women, and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).