IIT-Guwahati Backing Assam’s AI Push by Teacher Training and Textbook Preparation
On December 8, 2025, IIT-Guwahati announced its commitment to support the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum of Assam. The institute is taking significant steps to train teachers and prepare educational materials to facilitate this transition, as stated by its director, Prof. Devendra Jalihal.
Introduction of AI in Assam’s Curriculum
Artificial intelligence has been officially introduced as a subject for Class 11 students in government schools across Assam. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the educational framework of the state, aiming to equip students with essential skills for the future.
Teacher Training Initiatives
Recognizing the need for specialized training, IIT-Guwahati has conducted training sessions for teachers to prepare them for the new curriculum. The first batch consisted of 126 teachers from various parts of Assam, who underwent training at the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MFSDS&AI) at the institute.
Prof. Jalihal noted that teachers from Bhutan had also participated in previous training programs, and the institute plans to include faculty members from other northeastern states in future sessions. This initiative aims to create a robust network of educators skilled in AI and data science.
Textbook Development
In addition to teacher training, IIT-Guwahati has been actively involved in developing textbooks for the new AI curriculum. The textbooks have been co-authored by:
- Prof. Shymanta M. Hazarika, Mechanical Engineering Department
- Assistant Prof. Debanga Raj Neog, MFSDS&AI
- Sadiq Hussain, Dibrugarh University
The Class 11 textbook has already been released, and the Class 12 version is expected to be available soon. Currently, the textbooks are published in English, with plans to translate them into local languages, including Bodo, to ensure accessibility for all students.
Phased Introduction of AI Curriculum
The introduction of AI as an elective subject is being implemented in phases. This gradual approach allows for adjustments and improvements based on feedback from teachers and students. The initiative aims to make AI education more inclusive and widespread across the state.
Regional Collaboration and Expansion
Prof. Jalihal emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in enhancing educational opportunities. Faculty members from Bhutanese colleges were trained in data science and AI two years ago, and another group is expected to participate in training next year. Discussions have also been held with the Tripura education minister to expand the teacher training program to other northeastern states.
Undergraduate Programs in Data Science and AI
IIT-Guwahati offers an on-campus undergraduate program in Data Science and AI, along with an online Bachelor of Science program through MFSDS&AI. Launched in 2023, the online program is a four-year course with flexible exit options starting from the second year. The initial enrollment numbers have been promising:
- 700 students in the first batch
- 1,000 students in the second batch
- 1,400 students in the third batch
With this growth trajectory, the institute anticipates an enrollment of 5,000 students in the next five years.
Efforts to Support Local Students
Despite the growing interest in the online program, IIT-Guwahati has observed that very few students from the northeastern region have enrolled. To address this, the institute approached Assam’s Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, with a proposal to nominate 500 students for mentoring to help them meet eligibility criteria.
As part of this initiative, about 250 students from 28 districts were invited to spend a month at the institute, where they received guidance and support. Following a test conducted after the mentoring, 80 students qualified for the online course, and 72 received admission offers. IIT-Guwahati is providing full fee waivers to these students, demonstrating its commitment to promoting education in data science and AI.
Conclusion
IIT-Guwahati’s proactive measures to support Assam’s AI education initiative signify a major step toward integrating advanced technology into the state’s educational framework. By focusing on teacher training, textbook development, and regional collaboration, the institute is paving the way for a future where students are well-equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on updates from PTI and reflects the current initiatives and programs at IIT-Guwahati as of December 2025.
