686 AI fellowships awarded to students under IndiaAI Mission
As of September 2026, the IndiaAI Mission has awarded 686 fellowships to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students at 178 institutions. This initiative aims to create economic opportunities and employment in AI. Additionally, 543 Data & AI Labs have been approved in Tier-2 and Tier-3 ITIs and polytechnics to further support AI education and research.
The IndiaAI Mission has recently made significant strides in promoting artificial intelligence education and research in India. As of September 2026, the initiative has awarded 686 fellowships to students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs at 178 institutions. This endeavor forms part of a broader strategy aimed at creating economic opportunities while addressing the risks associated with AI technologies. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted these accomplishments during a parliamentary session, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The IndiaAI Mission is built on several pillars, including the development of AI models, applications, datasets, and talent. The government has identified 20 indigenous sovereign AI model proposals, which comprise 12 Large Language Models (LLMs) and 8 Small Language Models (SLMs), for support under this initiative. The mission seeks to leverage India's robust IT sector, which boasts an annual revenue of USD 300 billion and a workforce of 6 million people, thereby enhancing the country's capacity for innovation in artificial intelligence.
Implementation of the IndiaAI Mission involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and private sector partners. The establishment of 543 Data & AI Labs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 ITIs and polytechnics is a key component of this effort, providing essential training to over 2,500 students. Moreover, the YUVA AI for All program has successfully reached more than 26.5 lakh individuals, further emphasizing the mission's commitment to widespread AI education and skills development across the country.
The broader benefits of the IndiaAI Mission extend beyond education and research. The initiative aims to bolster the Indian economy by fostering innovation and creating job opportunities in the AI sector. With 237 projects supported and 93.18 lakh GPU hours sanctioned for AI research and development, the mission is poised to make a significant contribution to India's technological advancement. Additionally, 12 national-level hackathons and innovation challenges have spurred the development of 62 AI prototypes and facilitated the deployment of 20 AI-based solutions, showcasing the practical applications of AI in various fields.
Looking ahead, the IndiaAI Mission has ambitious plans to enhance its impact further. The government is working to establish 188 additional Data & AI Labs and has approved the creation of 58 Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence (AI-CoEs) across states and union territories. These efforts aim to strengthen the AI ecosystem in India and ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. The release of the India AI Governance Guidelines in November 2025 provides a national framework for safe and inclusive AI practices, marking a significant step toward establishing India as a leader in the global AI landscape.
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