Centre of Excellence in AI for Education: Leveraging AI to Transform Higher Education

• Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping education and workforce development, the Ministry of Education (Department of Higher Education) proposes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for Education, with a dedicated budgetary allocation of Rs.500 crores under the Union Budget 2025–26.
• The CoE is envisioned to serve as a national hub for integrating AI into teaching and learning processes, with a focus on enhancing higher education outcomes and preparing students for emerging job roles in AI-driven sectors.
• The initiative aims to address the growing demand for AI-skilled professionals by offering structured training programs, interdisciplinary curriculum, and hands-on research opportunities aligned with industry needs.
• The CoE will collaborate with premier institutions and industry partners to develop specialized modules in areas such as machine learning, robotics, data science, and AI ethics, ensuring relevance and practical applicability.
• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country will be engaged as implementation partners, contributing to curriculum development, faculty training, and student mentorship.
• Students from participating HEIs will be encouraged to take on roles as AI Fellows, contributing to research, peer learning, and outreach activities. Selection will be based on academic merit and interest in AI applications in education.
• The CoE will also establish AI Learning Labs within HEIs, equipped with advanced simulation tools, datasets, and computing infrastructure to support experiential learning and innovation.
• These labs will serve as regional centres for AI experimentation and will be integrated with existing digital infrastructure such as the National Digital University and SWAYAM platform to ensure wide accessibility.
• Capacity building will be supported through regular workshops, certification programs, and collaborative projects, with guidance from leading institutions such as IITs and IIITs.
• For the AI Fellows, this model is envisioned to:
  
  (i) provide financial support through stipends,
  
  (ii) offer mentorship from top academic and industry experts,
  
  (iii) foster innovation and research capabilities,
  
  (iv)encourage excellence through performance-based recognition and assessments.

Topics for discussion:

• Assessing AI integration in higher education involves analyzing existing AI-related programs, faculty expertise, and infrastructure across HEIs, while identifying potential host institutions and regional gaps for targeted development.
• Building awareness on AI’s educational value requires promoting its role in enhancing teaching, learning, and career readiness, while launching campaigns that instill the mindset that AI literacy is essential for future success.
• Early engagement and exposure to AI should begin from Grade 7 onwards, supported by outreach programs led by faculty, researchers, and industry experts to spark interest and build foundational understanding among students.
• Embedding future skills in higher education curricula: involves integrating essential competencies such as data analysis, coding, digital communication, and ethical reasoning into academic programs to prepare students for AI-driven careers.
• Changing career perceptions involves guiding students beyond traditional aspirations for government jobs by showcasing the wide range of AI-driven career opportunities available in private, public-private, and entrepreneurial sectors.
• Community outreach and engagement should involve organizing AI fairs, workshops, and seminars to actively involve students, parents, and educators, while demonstrating real-world applications of AI to build interest and understanding.

Expected Outcomes:

a) Clarity on Policy Implementation

• Develop a clear roadmap for operationalizing the CoE in AI for Education, including timelines, institutional roles, and key milestones.
• Establish regulatory and governance frameworks to guide implementation across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

b) Actionable Recommendations

• Identify strategies for integrating AI and future skills into mainstream higher education curricula.
• Share best practices for faculty development, curriculum design, and student engagement in AI education.

c) Strengthened Industry Collaboration

• Outline models for sustained collaboration between HEIs and industry partners to ensure relevance and innovation.
• Create feedback mechanisms for industry to contribute to curriculum updates and skill alignment.

d) Enhanced Public Awareness and Engagement

• Promote awareness among educators, students, and administrators about the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
• Design stakeholder engagement strategies to build a robust AI education ecosystem.

e) Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Encourage initiatives that foster AI-driven innovation in education, including student-led projects and institutional research.
• Explore funding, mentorship, and incubation support for startups and educational technology solutions emerging from HEIs.