IBM Bets Big on AI Skills, Plans to Train 5 Million Indians by 2030
Author: Manish Methani
Last Updated: December 20, 2025 at 9:51am IST
IBM is making a long-term bet on India’s digital future. The global technology giant has announced plans to train 5 million people across India in cutting-edge areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and quantum computing by 2030, as demand for advanced tech skills continues to rise.
The initiative will be rolled out through IBM SkillsBuild, the company’s learning platform that focuses on making technology education more accessible. IBM says the programme is aimed at students, educators and working professionals who want to prepare for jobs shaped by automation, AI-driven tools and emerging digital systems.
India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing technology talent hubs in the world, and IBM believes large-scale skilling will be crucial to sustaining that momentum. The company plans to work closely with schools, universities and vocational institutions, while also partnering with organisations such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to strengthen hands-on learning and faculty development.
According to IBM, the focus will not just be on theory. Learners will gain exposure through practical AI pathways, curriculum integration, hackathons and internship opportunities designed to mirror real-world challenges.
IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna said that mastery of frontier technologies will increasingly define economic and social progress. He noted that expanding access to AI and quantum skills is essential for enabling young people to innovate, solve complex problems and contribute to India’s long-term growth.
The company is also paying attention to early education. IBM is helping develop AI-focused learning frameworks for senior secondary students and providing teachers with structured resources such as project guides and instructional material. The goal is to introduce computational thinking and responsible AI concepts early, while supporting educators in delivering these subjects at scale.
At the centre of this effort is IBM SkillsBuild, which currently offers over 1,000 courses covering AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, data, sustainability and workplace skills. The platform has already reached more than 16 million learners globally.
IBM’s India commitment is part of its broader global ambition to train 30 million people worldwide by 2030, with the country expected to play a key role in achieving that target. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, initiatives like this could help shape a future-ready workforce for the decade ahead.
