PIB, October 14, 2024: The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced its collaboration with Meta to launch two major initiatives: an AI Assistant for the Skill India Mission and five Centers of Excellence (CoEs) specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). These CoEs will be set up at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai, and Kanpur.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Our mission is to empower India’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and mixed reality into the Skill India ecosystem, we are democratizing access to innovative learning opportunities.”
AI Assistant to Enhance Skill India Digital Portal
The AI assistant, powered by Meta’s open-source Llama model, will be integrated into the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. It will offer 24/7 assistance, helping users quickly find course information, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and access revision materials such as lecture summaries and videos. Available over WhatsApp in English, Hindi, and Hinglish, the AI assistant will improve accessibility for students across India by supporting voice capabilities. The chatbot will also guide users in searching for specific course topics, skilling centers, and job opportunities based on location and interest.
Sarvam AI, the technical partner for this project, will pilot the chatbot over a six-month period, after which analytics will be provided to MSDE to further enhance the platform.
Virtual and Mixed Reality Training Centers
In addition to the AI assistant, Meta and MSDE are establishing five CoEs at NSTIs, which will be equipped with advanced VR and MR technology. These centers will provide immersive learning experiences, enabling students to practice and enhance their skills in a safe and interactive environment. By using VR simulations, learners can gain hands-on experience without real-world risks, improving both engagement and accessibility.
Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy at Meta India, highlighted Meta’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and technology. “Through this collaboration, we aim to empower students, educators, and entrepreneurs by integrating AI, VR, and MR, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in today’s digital-first world.”
These initiatives are expected to revolutionize how students engage with educational content and prepare for future job opportunities. The Skill India Digital Portal, already a cornerstone of India’s skilling ecosystem, will be further enhanced by this AI integration, providing personalized and interactive support to millions of learners.
