India launches 15,000 AI scholarships to boost creative industry skills

India has unveiled a nationwide initiative offering 15,000 scholarships to train professionals in artificial intelligence for the creative industries, marking a major push to strengthen skills in the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy, as reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

The programme, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is designed to equip emerging talent in media, entertainment, animation, gaming and digital storytelling with practical AI capabilities, with enrolment now open to applicants across the country.

The initiative introduces a structured two-phase training model combining foundational online learning with advanced hybrid specialisation. It aims to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and real-world creative application, preparing participants for evolving industry demands.

In the first phase, participants will receive approximately 33 hours of online instruction covering generative AI fundamentals, prompting techniques and responsible AI practices. This stage is intended to build core AI literacy at scale and provide accessible entry points into the technology.

Those who successfully complete the foundation stage will progress to a second phase focused on hands-on experience. This includes project-based learning in storytelling, creative production and the application of advanced AI tools in content development.

The programme places strong emphasis on practical outcomes, enabling participants to apply AI across the full content lifecycle – from ideation to production and distribution. It also incorporates industry-relevant methodologies aimed at improving content reach and audience engagement.

Officials say the initiative responds to a growing national demand for skilled professionals capable of integrating artificial intelligence into creative workflows. By combining technical training with creative disciplines, the programme is expected to support innovation and expand opportunities across India’s media and digital sectors.

The scheme is positioned as a key step in building a future-ready workforce, strengthening the country’s role in the global creative economy and advancing the adoption of AI-driven technologies across industries.