Microsoft has launched its global Data Centre Academy in India, marking a significant step to address the growing demand for skilled professionals as the country rapidly expands its digital infrastructure. The programme has been rolled out at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) through a partnership with Young India Skills University, Government of Telangana. United Way of Hyderabad is supporting the initiative as the non-profit partner, while Selasian Consultancy Services is serving as the training partner. The academy is designed to prepare young professionals for entry- and mid-level roles in data centre operations, a sector witnessing sharp growth in Telangana and across the country.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader push to strengthen its digital backbone as hyperscale cloud providers, enterprises, and government agencies continue to invest heavily in data centre capacity. By creating a structured talent pipeline, Microsoft aims to bridge the skills gap in critical areas such as operations, facilities management, and infrastructure maintenance, which are essential to sustaining large-scale data centre ecosystems.
As part of the programme, Young India Skills University has introduced a three-month data centre management course under the academy. “We are starting with a cohort of 30 students. The idea is to build job ready skills in a domain where demand is growing faster than available talent,” said Dr Subba Rao Young, Vice Chancellor of Young India Skills University. He added that high-performing participants may also be considered for internship opportunities with Microsoft, offering practical exposure alongside classroom learning.
The Data Centre Academy follows a globally standardised curriculum and places strong emphasis on hands-on training, with students undergoing nearly 600 hours of instruction. According to Bharath Merugu of United Way of Hyderabad, the programme has been structured to directly enhance employability in digital infrastructure roles. “This gives students a clear pathway into digital infrastructure roles that are critical to the economy,” he said.
The curriculum covers a wide range of core competencies, including data centre fundamentals, power and cooling systems, networking, safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and facilities management. Upon completion, students will receive certification from Young India Skills University, with select candidates also becoming eligible for internationally recognised EPI certification. Through this initiative, Microsoft and its partners aim to create a sustainable talent ecosystem that supports India’s fast-growing data centre industry while opening new career opportunities for young professionals.
