Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh ranks first among states in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics (BDA) skilling under the FutureSkills PRIME programme, the state government said on Sunday.

FutureSkills PRIME is a digital skilling initiative of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) that offers industry-aligned courses in emerging technologies.

According to an official release, 1,53,783 candidates in Andhra Pradesh were enrolled or trained in AI and Big Data Analytics over the last three years. Citing Central government statistics tabled in the Lok Sabha last week, the release said the state recorded the highest number of AI/BDA candidates completing or receiving certification under FutureSkills PRIME among all states, with 1,08,895 candidates certified out of the 1,53,783 enrolled or trained.

The figures from MeitY under FutureSkills PRIME provide a concrete measure of the state’s technology-skilling base. Officials stressed that the key number is not only enrolment but the more than 1.08 lakh candidates who have completed or been certified, building a substantial pool of trained talent in two technologies expected to shape the next phase of the digital economy.

The AI and Big Data numbers form part of a larger FutureSkills PRIME footprint in Andhra Pradesh. The state has more than 4.34 lakh candidates enrolled or trained across the programme, including over 2.13 lakh in AI and Big Data Analytics.

FutureSkills PRIME focuses on skilling, reskilling and upskilling in emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security, blockchain and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR). Nationally, the programme has recorded more than 34 lakh registrations, over 23 lakh enrolled or trained candidates and more than 13 lakh completed or certified candidates, with 86 per cent of candidates coming from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

The state government linked the outcome to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s technology-led vision and to efforts by IT Minister Nara Lokesh around emerging technologies, investment and high-value employment. It said the growing talent base supports ambitions for Visakhapatnam as a technology and AI hub and for Amaravati as a modern, technology-driven capital, and helps build a workforce beyond conventional IT skills for emerging AI and related industries.