How Indian Universities Can Pave the Way for the Artificial Intelligence Revolution

The adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 offers an enabling environment for this transformation. With its emphasis on multidisciplinary education, flexible curricula, and vocational skills, NEP seems naturally aligned with the needs of AI learning.

- PROF. SUPRIYA PATTANAYAK

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution restructures economies and societies around the world, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an agent of transformation that can remake our lives, work, and learning. Indian universities thus have a crucial chance—and mandate—to put India at the forefront of the AI revolution. But to do this, universities have to go beyond traditional education models and undergo systemic change based on innovation, inclusiveness, and industry linkage.

At the core of such a change is the necessity for experiential, skills-oriented education. AI, being fundamentally applied science, needs a foundation not just in mathematics, computer science, and data processing but also in practical experience in domain-relevant issues—be it in agriculture, health, finance, or manufacturing. Universities need to move away from memorization and theory-oriented curricula towards hands-on learning environments. This involves creating AI-thematic labs, interdepartmental research centers, and action-oriented learning environments where students can tinker, construct, and refine.