Tech giant Microsoft and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) have partnered to expand access to job-related skills through the Cyber Shikshaa and Ready4Cybersecurity programs. Nearly 3,500 students will receive training and internship or career opportunities in high-demand cybersecurity fields.

NIELIT and Microsoft will deliver the Cyber Shikshaa and Ready4Cybersecurity programs in 30 NIELIT training centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, with a special emphasis on Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and states in India's North-East region.

The announcement comes as Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella travels to India.

This week, Nadella met with Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology. The minister encouraged Nadella to invest in India's rapidly growing innovation and startup ecosystem.

In the pilot year of deployment, the collaboration between NIELIT and Microsoft will assist narrow the cybersecurity talent gap and provide work opportunities for 1,100 underprivileged youngsters.

It further stated that around 3,500 learners will obtain cybersecurity training and internship or job chances.

In addition to grants for training, Microsoft will provide curriculum content, certifications, and mentorship opportunities.

NIELIT, the country's premier institution for examination and certification in the field of Information, Electronics, and Communications Technology (IECT), aims to develop skilled professionals and support learners and trainers through curriculum design and development as well as content acquisition.

Previously, NIELIT and Microsoft have worked to train youngsters in cybersecurity skills for careers, and these programs will be ramped up in the coming years to include cybersecurity training programs in all NIELIT training centers.