In a significant step toward transforming technical education in India, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has constituted an expert committee to facilitate the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Applied AI across diverse academic programmes beyond traditional computer science degrees.
The committee is chaired by Anand Deshpande, Managing Director of Persistent Systems, and includes AI experts from IITs, NITs, and other leading institutions. The move is aimed at promoting lateral expansion of AI in streams such as BBA, BCA, electrical engineering, and other disciplines.
“We are forming a committee to introduce AI laterally across all programmes, especially Applied AI,” said AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam. “The idea is to spread AI and related curricula across streams so that every student—regardless of discipline—gains foundational knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and data analytics.”
AICTE, India’s apex regulatory body for technical education, has already revised curricula for several programmes to incorporate AI elements. “We have created new curricula for BBA and BCA and introduced AI in electrical engineering. Our goal is that everyone should understand AI and data analytics,” Sitharam added.
Recognizing the crucial role of educators, AICTE has also prioritised faculty training to support the effective rollout of AI-focused modules. “Our teachers need to be trained not only in teaching AI but also in adapting to how AI is changing the learning environment—like how students now submit AI-generated assignments. We need to evolve the way we frame questions and evaluate learning,” the Chairman said.
In line with its vision, AICTE has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’, launching a range of initiatives to raise awareness and build capacity. The ambitious plan aims to bring AI education to over 14,000 colleges and 40 million students across India. Key components of the initiative include AI awareness campaigns, faculty development programmes, and collaborations with top technology firms.
AICTE follows a structured curriculum revision process every two years, engaging with expert panels to update academic frameworks in line with emerging technologies. “Curriculum revision is a detailed exercise involving expert consultation. We repeat this process every two years to ensure relevance,” Sitharam noted.
With this strategic push, AICTE aims to make India’s technical education system future-ready, equipping students across disciplines with the skills needed for an AI-driven world.
(With ANI inputs)
