EY, Microsoft roll out AI skills passport to bridge India's talent gap

In a bid to narrow India’s widening AI skills gap, EY and Microsoft have launched the AI Skills Passport, a free online learning programme aimed at equipping students and early-career professionals with job-ready AI capabilities.

Targeted at individuals aged 16 and above, the initiative is designed to democratise access to high-quality AI education and boost employability in an increasingly digital economy. The India launch follows a global rollout earlier this year that has already seen over 40,000 enrolments and 13,000 completions.

The move comes amid a growing urgency to upskill India’s workforce. According to NASSCOM, only 31% of professionals in India feel adequately prepared to use AI tools. The NASSCOM–Deloitte report on Advancing India’s AI Skills (2024) notes that while India’s AI talent base is expected to double to 1.25 million by 2027, the demand for skilled professionals is rising even faster, with a projected 25–35% CAGR in the AI market. Another NASSCOM–Zinnov study warns that India could face a shortage of up to 1.9 million tech professionals by 2026, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

“In an era where AI is revolutionising work and redefining career paths, the AI Skills Passport is a panacea for India’s growing demand for skilled AI talent,” said Monesh Dange, Partner and Leader, Alliances and Ecosystems, EY India. “Together with Microsoft, we’re ensuring this programme is not only free but impactful at scale by giving everyone access to AI learning.”

The EY–Microsoft AI Skills Passport offers about 10 hours of online, self-paced content in both English and Hindi. The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, Responsible AI practices, and industry applications in sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology, alongside career-readiness modules such as résumé building and interview preparation. Participants receive a verifiable digital badge upon completion to enhance their professional credentials.

As part of EY Ripples, the firm’s global corporate responsibility initiative, EY will also work with not-for-profit partners to expand the programme’s reach to youth from economically weaker sections, offering mentorship and career guidance.

“AI is transforming India’s digital economy, with youth at its core,” said Bhaskar Basu, Enterprise Partnerships Leader, Microsoft India & South Asia. “This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s goal of equipping 10 million Indians with AI skills by 2030, ensuring equitable access to future-ready opportunities.”

The EY–Microsoft alliance, recognised as Microsoft’s Global Advisory Services Partner of the Year, continues to focus on driving social innovation, inclusive digital transformation, and closing the AI readiness gap that remains one of India’s biggest challenges in the decade ahead.