IIT-G Trains Schoolteachers in AI to Enhance Education
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the educational landscape of Assam. This program focuses on equipping government school teachers with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling them to effectively teach the newly introduced AI curriculum for Class XI students.
Overview of the Initiative
In a significant move, IIT-G has trained the first batch of 126 teachers from over 100 government schools in Assam. This training program is conducted by the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT-G. The introduction of AI as an elective subject in state board-affiliated schools marks a pivotal moment in the educational framework of the region.
Curriculum Development and Implementation
The AI curriculum was introduced in Class IX last year, followed by its implementation in Class X this academic year. The Class XI AI course will be taught to students starting this session, with plans for its introduction in Class XII next year. Naranarayan Nath, the secretary of the Assam State School Education Board, expressed optimism regarding the future, stating, “The first batch of Class XII students with AI education will pass out in 2027, marking a new era in higher education and enhancing employability opportunities.”
Textbook Development
The textbooks for the AI curriculum have been authored by IIT-G faculty members Debanga Raj Neog and Shyamanta M Hazarika, along with Sadiq Hussain from Dibrugarh University. Recently, the Class XI textbook was released by Assam’s Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, with plans for a Class XII textbook in the pipeline. This resource aims to facilitate comprehensive AI education for students in Assam.
Importance of Teacher Training
The initiative emphasizes the importance of training teachers who may have previously been unfamiliar with AI concepts. IIT-G Director Devendra Jalihal highlighted that equipping educators with AI knowledge is crucial for the successful implementation of the curriculum. The training aims to empower teachers to instill AI skills in their students, preparing them for a future where AI plays a significant role in various industries.
Future Prospects and Regional Development
Rahul Mehta, founder of the Mehta Family Foundation, expressed his vision for nurturing high-quality talent in Assam. He believes that this initiative will attract companies for research specific to the northeastern region, ultimately transforming it into a hub for AI activities and economic growth. The foundation supports data science and AI schools that are now integral parts of various leading IITs across India.
Online BSc Program in AI
In addition to training teachers, IIT-G has launched an online Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in AI, which began in 2023. This program has gained immense popularity, with admissions doubling from 700 in its first year to 1,400 in the current year. The Assam government has facilitated the training of over 200 students, with 80 selected for the online BSc program. These students are expected to spread AI awareness and skills across various districts in Assam.
Broad Applications of AI
Director Devendra Jalihal emphasized the broad applications of AI, which range from drug discovery to automatic translation. He expressed gratitude to the Mehta Family Foundation for their support in this initiative. Jalihal anticipates that the online BSc course could potentially reach 5,000 admissions within the next five years, further solidifying Assam’s position in the field of AI education.
Conclusion
The training of schoolteachers in AI by IIT-G is a significant step towards modernizing education in Assam. By equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge, this initiative not only enhances the learning experience for students but also prepares them for a future where AI will be integral to various sectors. The collaboration between educational institutions and government bodies is essential for fostering a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the evolving job market.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to highlight the importance of AI education in Assam.
