In a landmark move aimed at boosting India’s digital talent pool, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading global technology companies—Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia—to introduce advanced digital skilling programmes at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
The strategic partnership, officially announced in the presence of Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, and Railways, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, is set to train over 2,000 students annually in emerging technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Networking, and Cybersecurity.
At the event, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia said,
“The future of India’s digital economy rests on our ability to equip the youth with cutting-edge skills. This collaboration between BSNL and global technology leaders will create a strong foundation for innovation, industry readiness, and global competitiveness. By bringing the world’s best technology companies into our skilling ecosystem, we are paving the way for transformative opportunities for our young talent.”
Programme Highlights
The initiative will leverage BRBRAITT’s established training infrastructure, combining it with the technical expertise and industry experience of the partner companies. Under the MoU:
- Ericsson will provide training modules and hands-on workshops in 5G technology, network optimization, and telecom infrastructure.
- Qualcomm will focus on AI, ML, and next-generation mobile technologies, empowering students to develop solutions for real-world challenges.
- Cisco will deliver advanced courses on networking, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity, preparing participants for certifications that are globally recognized.
- Nokia will train students on 5G networks, IoT, and digital transformation tools relevant to India’s growing digital economy.
All programmes will be designed to align with industry requirements, ensuring that graduates are job-ready from day one. The curriculum will include practical lab sessions, industry projects, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Employment Opportunities and Industry Linkages
In addition to skill development, the four partner companies have committed to offering employment opportunities to outstanding graduates from the programme. By establishing a direct link between training and employment, the initiative aims to bridge the skill-to-job gap that often limits the career prospects of young professionals.
Minister Scindia also revealed that the partnership model is attracting the attention of other industry leaders. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks are expected to join the initiative in the near future, further broadening the scope and scale of the training ecosystem.
“We are creating a collaborative platform where government, academia, and industry work hand-in-hand to nurture talent. This is not just about skill development—it’s about nation-building,” Scindia added.
Empowering Jabalpur as a Digital Learning Hub
The selection of BRBRAITT in Jabalpur as the central hub for this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to regional skill development. Located in the heart of India, BRBRAITT has a long-standing reputation as one of the country’s premier telecom training institutes. This new partnership is expected to position the institute as a national centre of excellence for digital technologies.
“BRBRAITT has always been at the forefront of telecom training. With the support of BSNL and our industry partners, we are now stepping into a new era—one where our students will be prepared to lead India’s digital revolution,” said a BSNL spokesperson.
Driving India’s Digital Ambitions
This initiative aligns with the Digital India vision, which emphasizes the creation of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. By focusing on advanced technologies such as 5G, AI, and cybersecurity, the programme will help India strengthen its position in the global digital landscape.
The move comes at a time when demand for professionals skilled in next-generation technologies is soaring, both domestically and internationally. According to industry estimates, India will require millions of skilled tech professionals in the coming decade to meet the needs of its rapidly expanding digital infrastructure.
A Model for Public-Private Collaboration
The BSNL-led programme is being hailed as a model for public-private collaboration in skill development. By pooling the resources of a government-owned telecom giant with the expertise of global tech leaders, the initiative promises to deliver world-class training at scale.
Participants in the programme will benefit from:
- Industry-relevant curriculum jointly developed by BSNL and partner companies.
- Access to cutting-edge labs and simulation environments.
- Mentorship from global technology experts.
- Certification pathways recognized by the industry.
- Job placement support with top technology firms.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural batch under this initiative is expected to commence training later this year, with enrolment open to students from across the country. BSNL has indicated that special provisions will be made to encourage participation from women and students from underrepresented regions, ensuring inclusive growth in the digital workforce.
With the inclusion of additional partners like TCS and Tejas Networks in the future, the programme is poised to expand its reach, potentially doubling its annual training capacity and adding new modules on software development, cloud computing, and optical networking.
About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a 100% government-owned telecommunications company providing a wide range of services across India. Established in 2000, BSNL has been a key player in connecting India’s towns, cities, and rural areas through cutting-edge telecom infrastructure.
About Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT)
The Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur is one of India’s premier telecom training institutes. It specializes in providing advanced technical training to telecom engineers, professionals, and students from across the country.
