Around 50,000 young people competed for 1,600 places in a government artificial intelligence (AI) training programme as the first-stage written examination was held across all 64 districts on Tuesday.
The examination was conducted under the “Skills Development through Artificial Intelligence Technology for ICT-Literate Youth” project, implemented by the Department of Youth Development under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, according to a press statement.
Nearly 83,000 applications were submitted for the programme. After verification, about 50,000 applicants were declared eligible to sit for the written test.
The competition is highest in Dhaka, where 3,780 applicants applied for only 25 seats, creating competition of around 152 candidates for each place. Across the country, more than 32 eligible applicants are competing for every available seat.
The first phase of the two-year project will select 1,600 trainees, with 25 participants chosen from each district.
Project Director Md Atikur Rahman said preparations were completed at both central and district levels to ensure the examination was conducted simultaneously and smoothly across the country.
He said the selection process would be based entirely on merit, with candidates assessed through written, practical and viva examinations.
The practical and viva examinations for successful written candidates will be held on 29 July, while final results are expected on 30 July. Training activities will begin across all 64 districts on 2 August.
The government aims to train 11,200 young men and women under the project. Of them, 9,600 will receive basic AI training, while 1,600 will undergo advanced training.
The training will be delivered through 448 batches, with 25 participants in each batch. Each two-month course will include 50 classes and 300 hours of instruction.
The basic course will cover practical use of AI tools for content creation, writing, design and productivity, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Gemini.
The advanced course will focus on AI-powered applications for video production, data analysis, workflow automation, digital marketing and business management, aiming to prepare participants for technology-driven employment opportunities.
