IIT-Guwahati Leads AI Education Drive In Assam With Teacher Training, Textbooks
Guwahati: In a significant move towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational framework of Assam, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has taken the initiative to train teachers and develop textbooks for AI courses aimed at students in Class 11 and 12. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance AI literacy in government schools across the state.
Introduction of AI in Assam’s Curriculum
With the formal introduction of AI as a subject in Assam’s school curriculum, IIT-Guwahati is at the forefront of this educational transformation. The director of the institute, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, announced that a comprehensive training program for teachers has been initiated to equip them with the necessary skills to teach this new subject effectively.
Teacher Training Program
The first batch of this teacher training program saw 126 educators from various parts of Assam participating. Conducted at the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MFSDS&AI) at IIT-Guwahati, the program aims to ensure that teachers are well-prepared to deliver quality education in AI.
Prof. Jalihal emphasized the importance of this training, stating, “AI has been introduced as a subject in Class 11 in Assam government schools. Since it is new, teachers required training.” The institute has also extended its training programs to include teachers from Bhutan, showcasing its regional commitment to enhancing AI education.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, IIT-Guwahati plans to expand its teacher training initiatives to other northeastern states of India. Discussions have already taken place with the education minister of Tripura to facilitate this expansion. The goal is to create a robust network of trained educators across the region, fostering a culture of AI learning.
Development of Textbooks
In addition to teacher training, IIT-Guwahati is also responsible for developing textbooks specifically tailored for the AI curriculum in Class 11 and 12. These resources are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in AI concepts and applications.
The development of these textbooks is crucial as it ensures that students receive a standardized and comprehensive education in AI, preparing them for future academic and career opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
Supporting Students from Rural Areas
IIT-Guwahati is committed to inclusivity in its educational initiatives. The institute has implemented support mechanisms such as fee waivers for students from rural areas, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education in AI. This initiative aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds and promote equal opportunities in the field of technology.
Online Bachelor of Science Program
In addition to its on-campus programs, IIT-Guwahati offers an online Bachelor of Science program in Data Science and AI. Launched in 2023, this four-year program provides flexible exit options, allowing students to tailor their educational journey according to their needs.
The online program has seen remarkable growth in enrollment, with the first batch comprising 700 students, followed by 1,000 in the second batch and 1,400 in the third. Prof. Jalihal anticipates that enrollment could reach 5,000 students within the next five years, indicating a growing interest in AI education.
Mentoring for Students
Despite the increasing enrollment numbers, Prof. Jalihal noted that very few students from the northeastern region have participated in the online program. To address this, IIT-Guwahati has approached Assam’s Education Minister Ranoj Pegu with a proposal to nominate 500 students for mentoring. This initiative aims to help students meet the eligibility criteria for the program, thereby increasing their chances of pursuing a career in AI.
Conclusion
IIT-Guwahati’s proactive approach to AI education in Assam is paving the way for a new generation of skilled professionals in the field of artificial intelligence. Through comprehensive teacher training, the development of educational resources, and targeted support for students, the institute is making significant strides in enhancing AI literacy in the region.
As AI continues to shape various industries, initiatives like those undertaken by IIT-Guwahati are essential for preparing students to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Note: This article reflects the developments in AI education initiatives led by IIT-Guwahati as of December 2025.
