Professor T.G.
Sitharam, chairman, AICTE
In the realm of advancing artificial intelligence (AI), cultivating a highly skilled workforce is of paramount importance. In recent months, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has been working to foster growth in the technology sector. These efforts include collaborating with Jio Institute, Microsoft and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, as well as the establishment of a dedicated career portal aimed at augmenting knowledge and technical skills. At the recent Global IndiaAI Summit 2024, Professor T.G. Sitharam, chairman, AICTE, talked about AI-driven transformation and AICTE’s role. Edited excerpts from his address…
AI is reshaping the trajectory of humanity across nearly every industry. It is already the main driver of emerging technologies such as big data, robotics and internet of things (IoT). Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have captured mainstream attention and will continue to be technological innovators for the foreseeable future. The demand for technical expertise in these areas is rapidly increasing, presenting a significant challenge in ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is adequately trained to meet the demands of these emerging areas. This is where the role of technical education becomes pivotal. The integration of AI in education is not just a technological shift, it is a revolutionary change, offering a wide range of benefits.
The future of Indian education in the context of AI presents exciting opportunities for innovation, personalised learning and improved educational outcomes. However, it also poses challenges related to equity ethics and workforce readiness that must be proactively addressed by stakeholders in the education ecosystem. Continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling are essential for sustaining the workforce in this rapidly changing world. Integrating an AI-based curriculum into the Indian educational system is crucial to prevent the potential misuse of
AI and ensure it operates within ethical and legal boundaries.
Leveraging AI’s maximum and productive benefits for students, teachers and society is vital to India’s development. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises the necessity of strengthening technical education in emerging fields such as AI, IoT, cybersecurity, robotics and blockchain. It aims to achieve this by developing a multidisciplinary approach to education, encouraging the integration of various fields of study by embracing AI and remote learning. The NEP 2020 aims to equip students with 21st-century skills, fostering innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for their academic and professional success in a rapidly evolving world.
There are several misconceptions surrounding AI, but AI is not about recreating the human brain; rather, it is about building systems that can perform tasks like human beings. AI involves analytics, problem-solving and automation based on data, knowledge and experience. While AI will undoubtedly transform our workforce, leading to the replacement of some jobs, it will also create new roles and jobs. The true challenge lies in humans finding their passion in new responsibilities that require uniquely human abilities.
AI, coupled with quantum computing, will revolutionise the way we work and educate, enabling unprecedented computational power and innovative learning methods. This powerful combination promises to transform industries and education systems, driving advancements and accessibility on a global scale. Statistics indicate that the AI market size is expected to reach $126 billion by 2030, with global job opportunities projected to be 97 million by 2025.
AICTE has been implementing robust measures in AI education and faculty upskilling. Notably, our collaboration with Jio Institute underscores our commitment to enhancing expertise in AI and data science among educators. Moreover, we have introduced minor degree programmes specialising in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and blockchain, preparing students for the digital future.
Our strategic alliances with leading international corporations such as Meta, Cisco, Salesforce, IBM, Adobe and Amazon are instrumental in equipping young Indians with cutting-edge skills. These partnerships not only provide training in emerging technologies but also open doors to lucrative job placements and internships, vital for career advancement.
A hallmark achievement is our proprietary AI and ML tool, Anuvadini, which facilitates the seamless translation of books, texts, audio and video content into 14 different languages, ensuring accurate rendering and preserving original formatting. Anuvadini represents a significant leap forward in bridging linguistic barriers and promoting widespread access to knowledge across diverse linguistic landscapes.
At AICTE, our holistic approach integrates education, technology and industry partnerships to foster a dynamic workforce capable of thriving in an AI-driven future. Through these initiatives, we aim to not only meet current technological challenges but also anticipate future demands, ensuring India’s readiness for the digital age.
