Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation is partnering with Sony India Software Centre to equip students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with industry-ready technical skills.

This course is being offered completely free of cost. The course, namely the ‘Sony India Finishing School Skill Development Training Program,’ will provide training in select areas such as Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML), Cyber Security and Computer Graphics besides Business Communication skills. Interested students can apply at sonyfs.pravartak.org.in.

The student selection process will be based on academic performance of engineering graduates who passed out in 2020-2021, 2021-2022 with a minimum of 60 percent aggregate in all examinations and whose parents have an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakh.

In addition, a written entrance examination will also be conducted followed by an interview. Students who successfully clear the evaluation with the highest score are eligible for a stipend provided under the training programme.

Highlighting the impact this programme could have, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, “This program is intended to bridge the knowledge and skill set gap that exist between graduating students and the industry's requirement. We hope that many students, specifically from non-urban parts of India will benefit from this initiative.”

“Sony India Software Centre will extend employment to the top 15 performers of this course. The Pravartak Technologies Foundation will assist the remaining students with placement in other companies by arranging for their interviews through the IITM PTF placement cell,” as per the official statement.

The duration of the course is approximately six months. It will be a full-time course, conducted in physical mode in classrooms provided by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation. Certificates will also be provided for the students on successfully completing the training programme.