Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi launched an online learning platform for the Indian Army called "Eklavya." This initiative aligns with the Army’s vision for the "Decade of Transformation" and its 2024 theme, "Year of Technology Absorption."

Developed at zero cost

The Eklavya platform was created by the Army Training Command with support from the Army War College as the sponsoring agency. It was developed at zero cost through the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) in Gandhinagar, with assistance from the Directorate General of Information Systems.

Three categories of courses

Precourse preparation capsules
These courses offer study materials for training programs held at different centers. The goal is to shift basic lessons online so that the in-person sessions can focus on more advanced and modern topics. This change will make the courses less crowded and allow more time to include new ideas that match the changing nature of warfare.

Appointment- or assignment-specific courses
These courses are designed for officers assigned to specialised roles, such as information warfare, defence land management, financial planning, and veteran affairs. Typically, officers rely on on-the-job training for these roles, which takes time. By offering online courses in these areas, the platform enables officers to gain knowledge and become effective in their positions more quickly. The release noted, “The courses in this category will also enable the officers to get domain specialisation in the field of their choice, which will further aid their employment planning.”

Professional development suite
This category includes courses on strategy, leadership, organisational behaviour, finance, emerging technology, and related areas. It aims to enhance professional growth and prepare officers for future challenges.

Additional features

The Eklavya platform also has a "Knowledge Highway," where officers can find journals, research papers, and articles all in one place. This feature encourages continuous learning and research. Eklavya is expected to transform military education by making it easier for officers to access a wide range of courses, improving physical training programs, and helping officers specialise in different areas. It is an important step in using technology to enhance military training and professional growth.