In a significant move to modernize and enhance the training of its personnel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi unveiled an innovative online learning platform called ‘Eklavya’. This initiative aligns with the Indian Army’s larger vision of embarking on a ‘Decade of Transformation’ as well as its theme for the year 2024, designated as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’.
The ‘Eklavya’ platform, which has been launched on the Army Data Network, boasts a scalable architecture designed to facilitate a seamless integration of various training establishments within the Indian Army. This integration aims to deliver a broad spectrum of courses to its personnel, allowing student officers to register for multiple courses simultaneously. Currently, the platform features 96 courses developed by 17 Category ‘A’ Training Establishments of the Indian Army.
The courses available on the ‘Eklavya’ platform are categorized into three distinct types. The first category, known as ‘Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules,’ provides study materials aligned with the physical courses offered at various Category ‘A’ training centers. This strategic shift aims to enhance the richness of the physical training experience by ensuring that the foundational aspects of various subjects are covered online, thereby allowing more time for contemporary and application-focused content in face-to-face courses.
The defence ministry highlighted that this model not only decongests the existing courses but also creates time to incorporate emerging concepts reflecting the evolving nature of warfare. Importantly, student officers will have the flexibility to enroll in any course throughout their service period.
The second category comprises “appointment or specific assignment-related courses.” Upon receiving new postings, officers in specialized roles often require on-the-job training to become fully functional in their positions. This category caters to those engaged in fields such as information warfare, financial planning, and veteran affairs, enabling them to undertake online capsule courses relevant to their new roles upon receiving their posting orders. This advance preparation is anticipated to enhance their operational effectiveness and efficiency right from the outset.
The third type of courses available is referred to as the ‘Professional Development Suite.’ This includes subjects such as Strategy, Operational Art, Leadership, Organisational Behaviour, Finance, and the exploration of Emerging Technologies. These offerings are designed to foster continuous professional military education among army officers.
Officials from the defence ministry expressed confidence that the ‘Eklavya’ platform will substantially contribute to ongoing military education, alleviate the burden on physical courses, prepare officers for specialized assignments, and promote domain specialization in various fields.
Developed under the guidance of Headquarters Army Training Command and sponsored by the Army War College, the ‘Eklavya’ platform has been created at no financial cost, thanks to the efforts of the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) in Gandhinagar, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Information Systems. This initiative marks a key step in the Indian Army’s commitment to harnessing technological advancements for the professional growth of its officers.
