India expands skill and digital learning under National Education Policy

The Indian government announced a major expansion of skill‑based and digital education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar told Parliament that skill education is now part of the centrally‑sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme for classes VI‑XII, with pre‑vocational activities for classes VI‑VIII and skill courses aligned to the National Skills Qualifications Framework for higher classes. Higher‑education institutions are encouraged to offer community colleges, Bachelor of Vocation programmes, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Centres, and the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme 2025, linking classroom study with industry apprenticeships. New courses in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, quantum and space technology, sustainable energy, IoT, robotics and semiconductors are being introduced to boost employability. Digital platforms like PM eVidya and DIKSHA are being deployed under Samagra Shiksha to improve access to quality education in rural, remote and tribal areas.