IIT-Jodhpur, a contemporary Indian Institute of Technology, has taken significant strides in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and research. Recognized for its pioneering approach, IIT-Jodhpur has been appointed as India’s first ‘MeitY chair’ on AI due to its robust commitment to AI-related programs and research initiatives.
Establishing itself as a cutting-edge educational institution, IIT-Jodhpur was among the first few IITs to introduce a comprehensive undergraduate program dedicated to AI and other emerging technologies. Notably, AI and related courses are seamlessly integrated into both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, either as core components or elective subjects.
This institution’s focus on AI education and research has led to its selection as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) chair on AI. A senior faculty member at IIT-Jodhpur revealed that the institute offers specialized undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in AI and its applications, positioning it as a frontrunner in advancing AI education and research.
The MeitY secretary pledged a grant of Rs 5 crore for the establishment of the AI chair at IIT-Jodhpur on its foundation day, August 4. This initiative is set to encompass research areas such as AI and Machine Learning (ML), AI applications of deep technology, and the governance and ethics of AI.
The decision to delve into AI education and research was driven by the global demand for skilled engineers proficient in AI tasks. AI’s technological advancements have introduced transformative disruptions across various fields, making AI education indispensable for holistic development.
IIT-Jodhpur also highlighted the central government’s emphasis on integrating AI into educational curricula. The institute introduced an MTech program in AI in 2019 and a B Tech program in the discipline in 2020.
AI’s relevance extends across diverse disciplines, positioning it as a fundamental pillar of modern engineering. It contributes to enhancing analysis efficiency, decision-making processes, and automation across various domains.
While concerns about AI’s potential negative impacts are widespread, the institute asserts that potential threats concerning data protection, privacy, ethics, and fairness are being addressed through national and international policies and regulations. The faculty member confidently expressed that the benefits of AI will surpass the challenges associated with its malicious utilization.
Traditionally, a substantial number of IIT graduates seek opportunities abroad for employment or research. However, with the cultivation of a robust research culture within higher education institutions, the talent pool is expected to find compelling prospects within India’s burgeoning AI and technology ecosystem.
The institute emphasized that the global shortage of AI and data science engineers, coupled with the Indian government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and promote the growth of local MNCs, will create a conducive environment for top talent to contribute significantly to India’s technological landscape.
