A historic decision by All India Council for Technical Education to brand India as a world leader in Artificial Intelligence. The body has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’. This is going to touch over 14,000 AICTE-approved institutions and 40 million students across the country, thereby making it a giant leap in incorporating AI into the country’s higher education framework.

AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam said that this was going to be a transforming programme, where all would unite and work together toward developing innovation, ethics, and education. “We commit 2025 to being the Year of Artificial Intelligence. Let us now work together toward building this future-ready workforce. And collectively, we can take India toward the top place among nations as a future hub of AI innovation, ethics, and education by enabling self-reliant prosperity for one and all.”.

The initiative includes a variety of measures to ensure the holistic integration of AI into academic institutions. One of its core efforts is the launch of an AI Affirmation Pledge. Institutions across the country will formally adopt this pledge, reinforcing their commitment to making India a “Vishwa Guru” in AI by leading global advancements in innovation, ethics, and education. The pledge will be prominently displayed on campuses, serving as a constant reminder of this vision.

Besides the pledge, AICTE will encourage colleges to have interdisciplinary AI courses and research programs in their curricula. State-of-the-art AI labs that meet industry standards will be established along with promoting ethical AI practices to drive societal progress.

To raise awareness and enthusiasm for AI among students and educators, the council has launched a nationwide initiative titled “AI for All: The Future Begins Here.” This campaign will feature AI Awareness Weeks, comprising workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures. It will also promote the formation of AI Student Chapters to foster innovation and collaboration among students passionate about AI. Career counseling programs focused on AI-driven professions will be integral in helping students understand the rising opportunities in this domain.

Faculty development is another critical component of the initiative. AICTE plans to upskill faculty through workshops and certifications, ensuring they are capable of teaching AI effectively. Partnerships with industry leaders like Adobe, CISCO, and IBM will further enrich the program, offering students real-world exposure in the form of internships, projects, and mentorship opportunities.

AICTE will also identify institutions that have done exceptionally well in AI integration and give awards to those that have become models of excellence. This recognition is meant to motivate other institutions to follow best practices and drive innovation in the field.

Institutions have been asked to submit detailed AI implementation plans by December 31, 2024. The AICTE approval bureau will review all the plans submitted, and the best ones will be published as benchmarks for other colleges to follow.

AICTE intends to position India as the global leader in this revolution by declaring 2025 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence. This program does not only prepare India’s future workforce but ensures that AI development is directed towards ethical principles, innovation, and societal benefit.