EY and Microsoft launch AI Skills Passport to equip India’s youth with AI driven future

• The free online program will support India’s youth to build AI capabilities needed to thrive in today’s AI-driven economy.

New Delhi, 9 October  2025 – In a significant effort to bridge the AI skills gap in India, EY and Microsoft have launched the AI Skills Passport - a free, online program that provides equitable access to high-quality AI education for youth aged 16 and older. Designed to create social impact, the initiative aims to equip early-career professionals and students with essential, job-ready AI skills. The India launch follows the global roll-out earlier this year, which has seen over 40,000 enrolled participants and over 13,000 completions.  

According to NASSCOM,  only 31% of professionals in India feel well-prepared to use AI tools. Through the AI Skills Passport, EY and Microsoft are committed to help individuals upskill and be future-ready for an increasingly digital landscape.

Monesh Dange, Partner and Leader, Alliances and Ecosystems, EY India, said, “In an era where AI is revolutionizing work and redefining career paths, the launch of the AI Skills Passport is a panacea for India’s growing demand for skilled AI talent as many professionals remain unprepared to harness AI’s full potential. Together with Microsoft, we’re committed to ensuring this program is not only free but also impactful at scale by ensuring access for everyone to build AI skills.”

Bhaskar Basu, Enterprise Partnerships Leader, Microsoft India & South Asia, said, “AI is transforming India’s digital economy, with youth at its core. The AI Skills Passport, launched in partnership with EY, reflects our vision of ‘AI for all’ and our commitment to fostering future-ready talent. It brings high-quality AI learning in English and Hindi to expand access and accelerate progress towards Microsoft's goal of equipping 10 million Indians with essential AI skills by 2030, which will bridge the skills gap and create job-linked opportunities for students and early-career professionals.” 

Course overview and structure

The EY-Microsoft AI Skills Passport is a fully online, free learning program with approximately 10 hours of content, available in both English and Hindi to ensure broad accessibility. The program features modular video content, practical exercises, and asynchronous assessments, allowing learners to engage at their own pace.

Key topics covered include the fundamentals of AI, Responsible AI practices, and AI applications across various industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology, illustrated through real-world case studies. Learners will also participate in hands-on exercises and case studies to apply their knowledge and enhance their skills. Additionally, the program emphasizes career readiness, providing insights into résumé building, interview preparation, and networking strategies for aspiring professionals in the AI field.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a verifiable digital badge, enhancing their job profiles and career prospects in an AI-driven economy.

Interested participants can enrol now at - AI Skills Passport | EY - Global

As part of EY Ripples, the firm’s global corporate responsibility program, supporting the next-generation workforce is a key focus area. Through this initiative, EY will engage not-for-profit organisations to expand the reach of the AI Skills Passport to youth from economically weaker sections, and deliver training, mentorship, and career guidance to help them develop future-ready capabilities.

EY–Microsoft: Scaling transformation while bridging the digital divide

The EY–Microsoft alliance combines global specialization in consulting, cloud technology and AI to deliver scalable transformation programs and solutions worldwide. Together, we are also committed to driving social innovation and bridging the digital divide. The collaboration has been consistently recognized with accolades, including being named Microsoft Global Advisory Services Partner of the Year for five consecutive years, as well as India Partner of the Year for Digital Transformation and Success in BizApps.

Notes to Editors

About EY

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