NEW DELHI: In a significant move to position India as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has declared 2025 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence.” This initiative, aimed at empowering over 14,000 AICTE-approved colleges and benefiting 40 million students, seeks to align with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a Vishwa Guru in AI and technology.
Revolutionising Education and Industry with AI
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, economies, and societies, and AICTE’s latest initiative is designed to integrate AI into higher education institutions across the country. By incorporating AI into education, AICTE hopes to provide students with the skills needed to drive innovation and lead in the emerging AI-driven economy. This initiative will play a key role in ensuring that India’s workforce is prepared for the technological advancements of the future.
Key Features of the AICTE AI Initiative
The AICTE has outlined several core elements of this transformative initiative to ensure its success.
AI Affirmation Pledge: Institutions across the country will adopt the AI Affirmation Pledge, committing to position India as a leader in AI innovation, ethics, and education. Colleges will display this pledge prominently on their campuses to instil a culture of AI excellence.
Comprehensive AI Integration: Institutions will be encouraged to:
• Introduce interdisciplinary AI courses and research programs.
• Set up AI labs in collaboration with industries to meet global standards.
• Promote ethical AI practices that focus on societal benefits.
AI Awareness Campaigns: A nationwide campaign, “AI for All: The Future Begins Here,” will include workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures to raise awareness about AI’s potential. Student-driven AI chapters will also be formed to foster innovation and inspire students to engage in AI research and development.
Faculty Development and Industry Partnerships: AICTE will conduct workshops and certification programs to enhance faculty’s teaching capabilities in AI. The council has also partnered with leading technology companies like Adobe, CISCO, and IBM, providing students with real-world exposure through internships, projects, and mentorships.
Recognition of Excellence: Institutions excelling in AI integration will be recognised and awarded by AICTE, serving as role models for other colleges to emulate.
Call to Action for Institutions
AICTE has called on all institutions to submit their AI Implementation Plans by December 31, 2024. These plans will be evaluated by the AICTE Approval Bureau, with the best submissions being highlighted as benchmarks for others across the country.
Shaping India as a Global AI Leader
Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “As we dedicate 2025 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, let us unite to build a future-ready workforce. Together, we can shape India as a global leader in AI innovation, ethics, and education, fulfilling our shared vision of self-reliance and prosperity.”
With this initiative, AICTE aims to not only enhance the education system but also position India as a front-runner in the global AI race, preparing the country for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
