AP Launches One-Lakh Youth Mission
The Department of Youth Services, Government of Andhra Pradesh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NASSCOM/IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council to launch the "Digitally Skilled & Industry-Ready Youth Mission – 1 Lakh Youth" during the 2026-27 financial year. The initiative aims to equip one lakh young people across the state with industry-relevant digital skills in emerging technologies.
The MoU signing coincided with the unveiling of the AI Ascend Programme poster, developed by Accenture under the FutureSkills Prime platform, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NASSCOM. The programme also includes courses in cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
The initiative will offer foundation and advanced skilling programmes, enabling participants to gain industry-recognised certifications aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council. Training will be delivered through the FutureSkills Prime platform, allowing learners to complete courses online at their own pace.
The meeting was chaired by the Commissioner of Youth Services and Managing Director of APSTEP. Praveen Kumar, State Director of MY Bharat, provided an orientation on the platform, implementation strategy, certification pathways, and district-level action plan. Officials from NASSCOM, district STEPS, and Youth Services departments also attended.
The programme is open to all Indian citizens aged 17 years and above. Eligible participants can enrol online to pursue courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Performance-based incentives of up to ₹14,500 will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis for completing global certifications, deep-skilling courses, and internships.
The initiative will be implemented across Andhra Pradesh down to the village level, with the government and NASSCOM aiming to improve youth employability and create a digitally skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving industry demands.
