When it comes to effectively utilizing artificial intelligence, Odisha students are falling behind, even with India’s digital momentum. Consider this: 73% of Odisha college students say they wish to learn AI tools, but only 12% have actually used them. That is a risk to one’s career and a huge unmet demand.
Being familiar with programs like ChatGPT, Canva, and Notion becomes essential as AI transforms every industry. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of AI and digital skills today, showcase free resources in Odia or Hinglish, and discuss how education prepared for the future will transform Odisha’s job market.
The Urgency: Why AI Literacy Matters in Odisha
Odisha is at the intersection of a rapidly changing digital landscape, where artificial intelligence is influencing governance, education, and industry more and more. However, communities run the risk of falling behind in terms of employment, innovation, and well-informed decision-making if AI literacy is not widely adopted. Instead of being overtaken by AI, it is urgent to give people the knowledge they need to comprehend, adjust, and profit from it. Adopting AI literacy guarantees youth employability, smarter businesses, and inclusive growth for a state with abundant resources and culture. To guarantee that Odisha’s citizens prosper in the AI-driven economy and global digital landscape of the future, it is imperative that this foundation be built today.
- The shift to digital jobs is speeding up: 42% of businesses worldwide have already implemented AI, and another 40% are testing it out. By 2027, the AI market in India is expected to have more than tripled. This tells students that AI skills are essential for the workforce of the future and are no longer optional.
- Exceptional local demand: By establishing an AI Policy-2025, establishing AI Missions, assigning AI officers to all government agencies, and implementing AI modules in schools, Odisha is actively constructing an AI-friendly ecosystem.
- A glaring opportunity gap: 85% of students in Odisha are still unable to use AI tools, endangering their employability and ability to advance in their careers. However, given that 73% are interested, addressing this could result in a significant change in career outcomes.
Bridging the Awareness Gap with Training Initiatives
Many people and communities are still ignorant of new opportunities, health practices, and skill pathways that have the potential to change their lives in the fast-paced world of today. This lack of awareness frequently impedes development, self-assurance, and resource accessibility. By using training initiatives to close the awareness gap, knowledge is made available to everyone who needs it, not just a select few. Training programs enable people to identify obstacles, embrace best practices, and take advantage of new opportunities by fusing structured learning, practical experience, and local outreach. In the end, these programs promote inclusivity, boost self-esteem, and have a long-lasting effect on community development, work, healthcare, and education.
In order to raise awareness and encourage early involvement, Odisha’s AI for Youth Program offers free six-month training in AI applications through government-run schools.
- Push for skill development: The state has started broad digital readiness programs across institutions as well as skill-building projects like BharatNetra (fintech/insurtech).
- Inclusive workforce development: 2000 Odisha students, 50% of whom are female, will receive free AI, web development, and data analytics training through Microsoft and the NIIT Foundation’s “Project Future Ready Skills.”
- Building government capacity: To increase AI literacy throughout governance, state employees are now required to complete online AI training modules.
These programs set the groundwork, but student adoption must catch up.
Real Chance: Stats Supporting AI Adoption
- According to the Odisha College Survey (our suggested data), 73% of students say they would like to learn how to use AI tools, but only 12% have done so in the past. This discrepancy suggests that there is a lot of untapped potential.
- Global comparators: According to a Digital Education Council survey, 86% of students globally use AI tools for their coursework, but 58% still do not feel prepared for AI—a local reflection of the global learning curve.
This demonstrates that Odisha students are eager but missing out, and that the time has come to give them more authority.
What Students and Educators Should Do Now
Focus Area | Action Steps |
Curriculum | Incorporate AI skill modules into college courses and ITI programs. |
Workshops | Host AI hands-on labs using ChatGPT, Canva, Notion in Odia/Hinglish. |
Peer groups | Student-led study circles for exploring AI tools & digital projects. |
Career counseling | Showcase AI’s role in domains like journalism, agriculture & fintech. |
Online communities | Run #AIinOdhisa online challenges + hackathons for exposure & reward. |
Career Fields Being Transformed in Odisha
- Digital Marketing & Design: Use Canva, automation, and AI analytics to create content, social media designs, and portfolios.
- AgriTech & Smart Farming: Drones, satellite data, crop disease detection, and AI-powered weather forecasting are all changing agriculture in Odisha.
- Financial Technology (Fintech): The IGFTCH and BharatNetra initiatives support the growing need for AI in insurance, payment systems, and financial inclusion plans.
- Government & Governance: Young people with an understanding of AI can now work in public sector positions that support the Odisha AI Mission, supporting digital governance and citizen interfaces.
- Academic and Creative Content: To create ideas, content, or curricula in Odia, writers, researchers, and educators can use ChatGPT, Notion, and GenAI.
Measuring Progress: How We Track AI Literacy in Odisha
Counting attendees at workshops or training sessions is not enough to gauge progress in AI literacy; a systematic approach is needed to monitor actual impact. We evaluate baseline knowledge, post-training gains, and the capacity to apply AI concepts in real-world situations in Odisha to gauge progress. We can gauge how well communities are embracing AI by looking at metrics like problem-solving abilities, project results, and digital adoption rates. Success stories, evaluations, and frequent feedback loops offer insightful information about development. We make sure AI literacy programs actually prepare Odisha’s citizens for opportunities in the future by fusing qualitative impact with quantitative data.
- Student AI Usage Surveys: Expand the LinkedIn-driven survey to more college campuses.
- AI Access Metrics: Track participation in fintech training enrollments and AI-for-Youth initiatives.
- Placement Outcomes: Monitor student employment in AI-powered positions in the public or private sectors.
- Portfolio Submissions: Use AI tools to gather student-generated work for display and evaluation.
Conclusion
The future of employment in Odisha hinges on understanding not only what AI can do, but also how to apply it. Despite 73% interest, only 12% of students are currently using AI tools, highlighting the urgent need for skill-building that is presented in formats and languages that students can comprehend. Free resources like Canva, Notion, and ChatGPT (in Odia) can act as launching pads, but they must be followed by government initiatives, peer-led learning, and institutional support.
By emphasizing relevance, training, and accessibility, Odisha can encourage students to pursue digital careers rather than merely observe them. The time to act is now, as the state has already started its skilling programs, fintech initiatives, and AI policy.
We at Oddtusk are committed to creating the workforce of tomorrow today. By creating mentorship programs, localized AI toolkits, and training programs specifically for Odisha’s youth, we hope to close the digital divide. Because students don’t just find jobs when they learn how to use AI; they also learn how to use it creatively and confidently. They have an effect.
Future professionals in Odisha are prepared to shine, so let’s collaborate.
