AI for educators has become increasingly important as artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we teach, learn, and work. Addressing this need, the SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness initiative has been introduced as part of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), offering structured and accessible AI learning opportunities for diverse learner groups, including teachers and education leaders
This article provides an overview of how educators can explore AI-focused learning pathways under the SOAR initiative on the Skill India Digital Hub, with a specific focus on the AI for Educators courses curated by industry partners.
Watch the demo video below for a simplified walkthrough of the SOAR initiative and the AI for Educators courses available on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform.
Understanding the SOAR initiative on SIDH
SOAR is a national initiative hosted on SIDH portal that brings together curated artificial intelligence learning content from leading industry partners. The initiative is designed to support large-scale AI awareness and readiness by offering foundational and role-specific courses aligned with national skilling priorities.
Currently, SOAR features AI courses developed by industry partners such as Microsoft, NASSCOM, and HCLTech. Each partner contributes structured programs targeting different learner segments and levels of AI familiarity.
Broadly, the SOAR courses are organised into three categories:
- AI to Be Aware
- AI to Aspire
- AI to Acquire
These programs are introductory and foundational in nature, making them accessible even to learners with school-level educational backgrounds. For educators seeking a more targeted learning experience, SOAR also offers a dedicated AI for Educators pathway focused on classroom and institutional applications of AI.
Accessing SOAR courses on Skill India Digital Hub
To access SOAR courses, learners must log in to the Skill India Digital Hub. The platform requires Aadhaar-based authentication and KYC verification. While the overall process is straightforward, users may occasionally experience minor delays during page loading, particularly while accessing course content.
Once logged in, educators can explore partner-wise course offerings, compare programs, review eligibility criteria, and select courses aligned with their professional learning objectives.
Express you interest! Educators and training leaders exploring AI through the SOAR initiative are invited to share their experiences and perspectives on how AI has helped you: Click here!
AI for educators: Course overview
The AI for Educators courses under the SOAR initiative are designed to help teachers, trainers, and school leaders understand how artificial intelligence can be applied meaningfully in educational and training environments.
Across partners, these courses typically cover:
- Introduction to artificial intelligence concepts
- AI tools and applications for teaching and training
- Understanding AI models and generative AI
- Ethical, safe, and responsible use of AI
- Practical use cases for lesson planning, assessment, and content creation
Successful completion of these courses leads to certification, reinforcing their value as structured professional development programs for educators.
Microsoft: Foundational AI awareness for educators
Microsoft’s AI for Educators course focuses on building conceptual clarity around AI and its relevance to teaching and learning. The content is beginner-friendly and delivered through a mix of text-based material, audio support, and occasional interactive elements.
Key modules include:
- Introduction to AI concepts
- AI tools for trainers
- Generative AI safety and responsible usage
The course places strong emphasis on ethical considerations, enabling educators to understand responsible AI use within classrooms and institutional contexts.
NASSCOM: Educator-centric and interactive learning
The AI for Educators course offered by NASSCOM is structured around clearly defined objectives and practical applications relevant to teachers and academic leaders. The content is organised in a user-friendly manner, with a strong focus on real-world relevance.
Key features include:
- Introduction to generative AI and its applications
- Video-based explanations of AI tools such as ChatGPT
- A dedicated module on prompt engineering
- Interactive quizzes at the end of most topics
The combination of video, audio, text, and quizzes allows educators to engage with the content according to their preferred learning style.
HCLTech: Conceptual learning with added digital context
HCLTech’s AI for Educators course follows a presentation-style format, where learners progress slide by slide through conceptual content. In addition to AI fundamentals and generative AI topics, the course also includes a cybersecurity module, offering broader digital awareness.
While learners may occasionally experience loading delays, the course provides another useful perspective for educators seeking a comprehensive understanding of AI within the wider digital ecosystem.
Also Read: Skill the Nation Challenge: SOAR AI – Building Awareness and Readiness for the AI Era
Exploring AI courses on SIDH
SIDH platform enables educators to explore SOAR courses across industry partners by reviewing:
- Eligibility criteria
- Topics covered
- Course structure and design
- Enrolment indicators
This comparison feature allows learners to prioritize courses based on relevance and learning outcomes, and to pursue multiple programs for diverse perspectives on AI.
Building AI awareness for today’s Educators
The SOAR initiative reflects the growing importance of AI literacy for educators and institutions. Beyond technical understanding, it promotes responsible, ethical, and context-aware use of AI in education and skill development.
By offering free, structured learning pathways through industry partners on the Skill India Digital Hub, SOAR supports educators in becoming AI-aware and future-ready; an essential step for effective teaching, learning, and leadership in an AI-driven world.
