Impact Assessment of IBM SkillsBuild Programme (FY 2024–25)

Client: IBM India Pvt. Ltd.
Geography: Pan India (across North, South, East, West, Central, and North-East zones)
Duration: March 2026 – June 2026 (4 months)

The study is being undertaken by DevInsights to assess the impact of IBM Skills Build, a multi-year digital skilling initiative aimed at enhancing employability, digital literacy, and technical competencies among high school students, adult learners, and academia across India. The programme focuses on building industry-relevant skills in domains such as artificialintelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and professional skills, while improving access to digital learning opportunities across diverse geographies, including underserved regions. The objective of the assessment isto evaluate learner participation, engagement, course completion, credential attainment, and employability outcomes, while also examining institutional integration, implementation mechanisms, and systemic factors influencing programme effectiveness.

DevInsights is conducting the assessment using across-sectional mixed-method approach, combining large-scale quantitative and qualitative research. The study covers approximately 10,000 learners, with 1,000 respondents reached through virtual surveys and 9,000 through email-based surveys to ensure broad geographic representation. Additionally, 28 in-depth interviews are being conducted with learners, academic institutions, government stakeholders, and implementation partners to capture detailed perspectives on programme delivery and outcomes. The assessment also includes a due diligence review of one implementation partner to evaluate governance, operational capacity, and financial systems.

The findings are being analysed using OECD-DAC evaluation criteria to generate actionable insights on programme effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability. The study will culminate in comprehensive reports, presentations, and datasets to support evidence-based decision-making and strengthen the future design and implementation of the IBM SkillsBuild initiative.