Key Points
- Programme offers 15,000 scholarships for AI training in media and entertainment sectors
- Two-phase curriculum includes 33 hours of online training and hybrid specialisation
- Google and YouTube partnering with IICT to develop curriculum and provide certificates
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has opened enrolment for a national AI skilling programme offering 15,000 scholarships to workers in media, entertainment, animation, gaming and digital storytelling.
The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), the designated implementation partner, is leading the rollout in collaboration with Google and YouTube. The programme aims to equip creative professionals with skills in generative AI — artificial intelligence systems that can produce text, images, audio and video based on user prompts.
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“This initiative is structured to address a clear national requirement — preparing creative professionals for practical, real-world application of AI across content creation, production and distribution,” said Dr Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT.
Two-phase training structure
The programme follows a two-phase approach. The first phase, delivered entirely online, covers foundational AI literacy. Selected participants will complete approximately 33 hours of training covering generative AI fundamentals, prompting techniques — methods for instructing AI systems to produce specific outputs — and responsible AI practices.
Participants in the foundation phase will receive access to Google Career Certificates and Google Cloud’s generative AI learning pathways. Google Career Certificates are professional training courses designed by Google that provide credentials recognised by employers.
The second phase, delivered through a hybrid model combining online and in-person learning, focuses on practical application. This includes project-based training in storytelling, creative production and the use of advanced AI tools. The curriculum for this phase was co-developed by IICT and YouTube, incorporating platform-specific practices for content reach and engagement.
Curriculum and platform details
IICT said the curriculum integrates advanced AI tools, creative workflows and platform-level practices. Learners will access guided modules through Google Developers Codelabs, a platform offering hands-on coding tutorials.
The programme will also use an “AI Skills House” platform, which MIB described as offering structured learning tracks including generative AI applications, workflow automation and decision-making tools.
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The initiative aligns with the government’s stated objective of strengthening India‘s creative economy by integrating AI into content creation and production workflows. MIB described the programme as a selective pathway designed for workers across media, entertainment, animation, gaming and digital storytelling.
IICT is responsible for curriculum development, candidate outreach and programme execution. Interested candidates can apply through the IICT website.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the IICT AI skilling programme?
A government-backed initiative offering 15,000 scholarships to train media, entertainment, animation, gaming and digital storytelling professionals in generative AI skills. The programme is delivered by IICT in partnership with Google and YouTube.
What does the AI skilling programme cover?
The programme has two phases. Phase one covers 33 hours of online training in generative AI fundamentals and prompting techniques. Phase two provides hybrid training in creative production, storytelling and advanced AI tools.
Who is eligible for the AI scholarships?
The programme targets professionals in media, entertainment, animation, gaming and digital storytelling. Detailed eligibility criteria were not specified in the government announcement. Interested candidates should check the IICT website for application requirements.
How can candidates apply for the IICT AI programme?
Enrolment is open through the IICT website. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not announced a specific application deadline.