Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the leading state in AI and Big Data Analytics skilling under the Centre's FutureSkills PRIME programme, with 1,08,895 candidates completing certification in AI and BDA over the last three years. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology data presented in the Lok Sabha showed that 1,08,895 candidates completed certification, representing the highest number of AI/BDA candidates completing or getting certified among all states. This performance places Andhra Pradesh at the top among states under the programme, with the state's 1.08 lakh-plus certified candidates significantly higher than corresponding figures for other major states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. As per the official release, the state government attributes this achievement to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's technology-led vision focus on emerging technologies, building a substantial pool of future-ready talent.
The AI and BDA figures are part of a wider technology-skilling drive in Andhra Pradesh under FutureSkills PRIME. According to the ministry release, more than 2.13 lakh candidates in the state have been enrolled or trained specifically in AI and BDA, while more than 4.34 lakh candidates across all emerging technology domains have been enrolled or trained. FutureSkills PRIME is a MeitY initiative implemented in partnership with NASSCOM that focuses on skilling, reskilling and upskilling in emerging technologies, including AI, BDA, Internet of Things, cybersecurity, blockchain and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality. The programme offers industry-aligned courses to create a workforce beyond conventional IT skills, supporting emerging AI and Quantum industries.
At the national level, the programme has recorded more than 34 lakh registrations, 23 lakh enrolled or trained candidates and 13 lakh candidates who have completed training or received certification, with 86 per cent of participants coming from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. FutureSkills Prime is a digital skilling initiative by NASSCOM & MeitY, aimed at making India a Digital Talent Nation, as reported by the ministry. The programme's national reach underlines the scale of the opportunity across emerging technologies.
The growing AI talent base is expected to support Andhra Pradesh's efforts to attract investment in emerging technologies and develop technology hubs. The state is positioning Visakhapatnam as a technology and AI hub and developing Amaravati as a modern, technology-driven capital, creating a broader ecosystem for the growing pool of skilled talent. This strategic development aligns with the state's broader technology infrastructure initiatives, with Chief Minister Naidu repeatedly pushing technology as an economic opportunity for the state, while IT Minister Nara Lokesh driving engagement around emerging technologies, investment and high-value employment.
