The Indian Army has unveiled an innovative online learning platform named “Eklavya,” which is a critical component of the Army Chief’s broader vision for a “decade of transformation.” General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, officially launched the initiative in a move aimed at modernizing and enhancing the educational framework within the Army.
Eklavya is designed to support the Indian Army’s focus on elevating technology as a core aspect of its operations, synchronizing with the 2024 theme designated as the “Year of Technology Absorption.” Developed under the auspices of the Headquarters Army Training Command, the platform has been sponsored by the Army War College. Notably, the Eklavya platform was created at no financial cost, with technology support provided by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) based in Gandhinagar, alongside the contribution from the Directorate General of Information Systems.
The online platform has been deployed on the Army Data Network, ensuring a robust and scalable architecture. This feature allows the integration of various training establishments within the Indian Army, enabling each to offer a diverse array of courses. Importantly, student officers now have the flexibility to enroll in multiple courses at the same time. Currently, the platform hosts 96 courses developed by 17 Category ‘A’ Training Establishments, covering a wide range of military education.
The Eklavya platform categorizes its courses into three distinct types. The first category, known as “Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules,” provides essential study material for offline physical courses at various Category ‘A’ establishments. This online component aims to streamline the basics, enriching physical training with modern content focused on practical applications. This innovation is expected to help alleviate the congested nature of current courses and free up time to incorporate emerging concepts into military training as warfare evolves.
The second category encompasses “appointment or specific assignment-related courses.” These courses are designed for officers transitioning into specialist roles who require on-the-job training to become fully operational in their new positions. Such appointments cover crucial areas, including information warfare, financial planning, veteran affairs, and more. By offering online capsule courses that coincide with their postings, officers can develop domain-specific knowledge and enhance their readiness for specialized tasks.
The third category offers a “Professional Development Suite,” which includes courses on various subjects such as strategy, operational art, leadership, organizational behavior, finance, and emerging technologies. This suite aims to foster continuous professional education among military officers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the complexities of modern warfare.
Additionally, the Eklavya platform features a searchable “Knowledge Highway” that provides access to an array of journals, research papers, and articles in a single space. This innovative platform is expected to significantly promote ongoing professional military education, enrich existing physical courses, and support officers in preparing for specialist appointments while encouraging their domain specialization.
