Govt pushes for AI curriculum across schools, universities

Union Minister for education Ramesh Pokhriyal, on Monday, highlighted steps taken by the government to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in curriculums across schools and universities. 

In a written reply to the Parliament, the government said that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has recommended introducing contemporary subjects like AI in curriculum, at relevant stages. 

The possibility of rolling out an introductory course on AI at secondary level would be explored. The National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) has initiated the process for preparation of a new national curriculum framework for school education in pursuance of the NEP. 

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced AI as a subject in class IX from the session of 2019-2020 and in Class-XI from the session of 2020-2021 in affiliated schools.   

“Artificial Intelligence has already been applied to education primarily in some tools that help develop skills and testing systems. Artificial Intelligence can drive efficiency, personalization and streamline administrative tasks to allow teachers the time and freedom to provide understanding and adaptability.  By leveraging the best attributes of machines and teachers, the vision for Artificial Intelligence is one where they work together for the best outcome for students,” the statement said. 

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved institutions have been suggested to offer AI as an elective in the undergraduate course of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), as well as initiate a B.Tech course in AI and Data Science. 

As for Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), their separate Acts and Statutes allow them to have their own curriculum, academic and research collaboration with Institutions and Universities across the world. 

“Most of the IITs offer various AI related courses such as Deep Learning foundations and applications, foundation of AI and Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Probabilistic Reasoning in Artificial Intelligence, Predictive and Prescriptive Data Analytics, Deep Learning, System Identification, Cyber Physical Security, Digital Image Processing, etc,” the statement said, adding that the IITs also organise short term programmes on AI for working professionals and interested students, among other things.