83,000 youths compete for AI training slots nationwide
A total of around 50,000 applicants took part in a nationwide written examination on Tuesday for selecting trainees under a government project aimed at developing artificial intelligence (AI) skills among technology-aware youths.
The written test was held simultaneously at designated centres across 64 districts in eight divisions under the “Skill Development of IT-Knowledgeable Youths through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology” project implemented by the Department of Youth Development.
The project, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, received nearly 83,000 applications from across the country. After scrutiny, around 50,000 applications were found valid, allowing candidates to participate in the selection test.
In the first phase, 1,600 trainees will be selected from 64 districts, with 25 trainees from each district.
On average, more than 32 candidates are competing for each training seat. The competition was particularly high in Dhaka district, where 3,780 applicants applied for only 25 seats, meaning nearly 152 candidates are competing for each position.
During the examination, Project Director Md Atikur Rahman and Dhaka District Deputy Director AKM Shahriar inspected a centre in Kalyanpur, Dhaka.
They reviewed the overall examination environment, attendance of candidates, seating arrangements, security measures, question paper management and the examination process.
Officials from the Department of Youth Development, district-level authorities and representatives of training institutions were also present during the inspection.
Project Director Md Atikur Rahman said necessary preparations were completed at both central and district levels to conduct the examination smoothly across all 64 districts.
He said every stage of the selection process is being monitored and trainees will be selected based on merit and competence through written, practical and viva examinations.
Candidates who pass the written examination will take part in practical and oral tests on July 29.
The final results are expected to be published on July 30, while training sessions for selected candidates will begin simultaneously across the country from August 2.
The two-year project aims to provide AI-based training to a total of 11,200 youths and young women.
Of them, 9,600 participants will receive basic AI training, while 1,600 participants will receive advanced AI training.
The programme will be conducted in 448 batches, with 25 trainees in each batch. Each course will run for two months, consisting of 50 classes and 300 hours of training.
The basic AI course will cover tools including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, DeepSeek, Gemini, Grammarly, QuillBot, Jasper, Canva, Pixlr, InVideo and ElevenLabs.
The advanced AI course will include platforms such as Runway, Synthesia, Midjourney, Tableau, Zapier, Descript, ClickUp, Notion AI, Dorik AI, Ahrefs, Salesforce, HubSpot, Copy.ai, Adobe Sensei, DALL-E and Veo.
The training will focus not only on operating AI tools but also on practical skills including AI-based content creation, digital marketing, video production, data analysis, automation, business management and technology-driven employment opportunities.
The government has undertaken the AI skills development project to prepare young people with technology-based expertise and improve their competitiveness in a rapidly changing digital economy.
