AICTE declares 2025 ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’; AI courses, labs, career counselling on the cards

NEW DELHI: Declaring 2025 as the ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) announced initiatives to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) within the fabric of higher education, fostering innovation, ethics, and leadership. The initiative will be implemented across all AICTE-approved institutions benefitting over 14,000 colleges and 40 million students.

In this regard, the AICE chairman TG Sitharam urged all institutions to submit their AI implementation plans by December 31, 2024. The submissions will be reviewed by the AICTE approval bureau and the top plan of action will be featured as a point of reference for other institutions.

"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," the AICTE chairman said.

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AI integration in education

The technical education council called upon institutions to adopt the pledge: “We pledge to position India as a Vishwa Guru in AI, leading innovation, ethics, and education, fulfilling our Prime Minister's vision."

The key initiatives include introduction of AI courses across disciplines, establishment of AI labs, promoting ethical AI practices for societal benefits, and awareness campaigns.

A nationwide initiative titled “AI for All: The Future Begins Here” will include ‘AI Awareness Weeks’ featuring workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures. It will also focus on forming AI student chapters to drive innovation, career counselling specifically for AI-related job profiles, and industry collaborations.

AICTE will facilitate workshops and certifications to upskill faculty in AI teaching. Its partnerships with leading organizations like Adobe, CISCO, and IBM will enhance real-world exposure for students through internships, projects, and mentorships.