India to Set Up Content Creator Labs in Schools and Colleges to Train Youth in Digital Skills

The Government of India has announced plans to establish Content Creator Labs in schools and colleges to train young people in digital content creation, particularly short-form videos and reels. Presenting the Union Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government will set up such labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country.

According to the Finance Minister, the initiative will be implemented with the support of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), Mumbai. Through these labs, students will receive hands-on training in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming, comics, and the creation of digital and social media content, including reels.

The government has set an ambitious goal of making two million youth skilled in the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) by 2030. In addition, the budget announced the launch of five new internship programs, allowing students to gain practical work experience alongside their studies.

To boost innovation and entrepreneurship, the government will also establish a rupees 10,000 crore fund to promote gaming startups, which is expected to generate employment opportunities for over one million people. Furthermore, 10,000 new fellowships focused on Artificial Intelligence and deep-tech will be introduced, strengthening India’s digital and technology-driven workforce.

This initiative reflects India’s growing focus on the digital economy and aims to prepare youth for emerging career opportunities in creative and technology-driven industries.