State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed strategic partnerships with four tech giants to transform India’s digital skills landscape. The company will work with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to train over 2,000 students annually.
The training programs will run at BSNL’s Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training(BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Students will learn 5G, artificial intelligence, machine learning, networking, and cybersecurity skills.
“Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the initiative. He said, ‘Today the spotlight is on India. Not because we have the largest market in the world, but because we represent a significant opportunity. Nearly 50% of the world’s human resource talent resides in India. Today is the beginning of a new dawn.'”
The partnerships address India’s growing demand for skilled tech workers. Companies struggle to find qualified candidates in emerging technologies. These training programs will create a pipeline of industry-ready professionals.
The initiative supports broader government missions including Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global technology hub.
“Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal said the partnership will benefit students, public sector staff, and industry employees. The program offers courses with durations ranging from two weeks to 84 hours.”
Each tech partner brings specific expertise to the training ecosystem. According to the Ministry of Communications, Ericsson will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT. The company will provide hands-on training through its global Ericsson Educate platform.
Qualcomm will set up a dedicated Qualcomm Institute focusing on advanced 5G and AI training. The company committed to sponsoring training for the first 100 participants in the inaugural year.
Cisco will expand its Networking Academy program to strengthen skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. The company will provide free access to online resources and digital tools.
Nokia will help create both a 5G Centre of Excellence and an AI/ML Lab. The program will train 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications.
“The collaboration represents a significant investment in India’s tech talent development. Phase 1 investments already exceed ₹1 crore, as stated by the ministry and verified
Industry experts see this as a model for future skills development initiatives. “India is on the verge of a digital revolution. “and our success will hinge on how well we skill our people. Skilling is not just about preparing for jobs. It’s about empowering individuals and fostering innovation,” said Nitin Bansal, country head of Ericsson India.
The partnerships also promise employment opportunities for students after course completion. “Minister Scindia suggested that more companies, such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks, could enter into similar partnerships with the government.”
The program creates multiple opportunities for Indian businesses. Companies can tap into a broader array of resources. trained professionals. professionals in critical technologies. The standardized training ensures consistent skill quality across the industry.
Startups and established companies can potentially partner with BRBRAITT for customized training programs. The institute’s focus on research and development could foster innovation partnerships.
“The initiative positions Jabalpur as an emerging technology education hub. Scindia said, ‘From local to global—India will not just make in India, but make for the world. Jabalpur will be at the heart of this transformation.'”
The Department of Telecommunications plans to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. This canter will focus on telecom-specific research, product innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Business leaders should keep an eye on this program’s development, as it may influence talent availability and technology adoption in various sectors. This collaboration demonstrates how public-private partnerships can effectively address India’s skills gap while fostering economic growth..
