The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), through its training arm Directorate General of Training (DGT), has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Autodesk Inc., the American multinational software corporation. This partnership, announced on 6 November 2025, aims to elevate the “design and make” competency of India’s vocational workforce by integrating advanced digital tools and curricula into Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
Bridging Traditional Training with Modern Tools
- India’s vocational training infrastructure, especially through the Directorate General of Training (DGT), includes over 14,500 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 33 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
- These institutions cater to millions of youth every year. However, there has been a growing need to modernise training content and tools to align with evolving industry demands.
- The collaboration with Autodesk represents a forward-looking approach, bringing professional-grade software, curricula, and global best practices into India’s skilling landscape.
Digital Curriculum and Tools
- Autodesk will provide access to its industry-grade design software and help co-create training content tailored to real-world applications.
- The curriculum will include hands-on learning, project-based modules, and exposure to emerging technologies like digital prototyping, CAD, and AI-enhanced design systems.
Capacity Building for Trainers
- One of the central pillars of this partnership is the digital upskilling of educators.
- Trainers at ITIs and NSTIs will receive specialised training in Autodesk tools, ensuring they can teach with confidence and relevance.
Industry-Ready Skills
- The focus areas include sectors that rely heavily on design and digital fabrication—architecture, engineering, construction, and advanced manufacturing.
- This ensures that vocational graduates are job-ready and in sync with current and future market needs.
Boosting AI and Innovation Readiness
- Autodesk’s internal surveys show that over half of Indian companies now prioritise hiring candidates with AI-related skills.
- By embedding these skills early through vocational pathways, India is preparing a workforce that’s both technically adept and innovation-ready.