IIT Kharagpur to offer BS in AI & data science in Bangla from 2026 session
Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced the introduction of a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, to be conducted in Bengali. This initiative is set to commence from the 2026 academic session, as revealed by the institute’s director, Suman Chakraborty, during a press conference held at the Renaissance 2.0 global summit at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park.
Program Details
Director Chakraborty stated, “We are introducing a BS program in AI and Data Science from this academic season in Bengali, catering to Bengali-speaking youngsters and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.” The proposal will be submitted to the Senate for final approval.
Course Structure
The BS program will be an inclusive online course, diverging from traditional admission methods. Instead of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main or Advanced, the admission process will mirror that of IIT Madras’s BS program. Students will earn a BS degree, which is equivalent to BTech and BSc, with provisions for campus placements.
Flexible Learning Opportunities
One of the unique features of this program is its flexible structure, allowing multiple entry and exit points. This means students can earn certificates and diplomas at different stages of their education, making it adaptable to various learning needs.
Language of Instruction
While the medium of instruction will be Bengali, technical terminology will remain in English to ensure that students can compete on a global scale. A faculty member emphasized that teaching in Bengali would not pose any challenges.
Significance of the Initiative
The introduction of this program is particularly significant as it aims to enhance accessibility to quality education in the field of AI and Data Science for Bengali-speaking students. This move reflects a broader trend towards inclusivity in education, which is crucial in a diverse country like India.
Alignment with National Education Policy
The initiative aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of regional languages in education. By offering a program in Bengali, IIT Kharagpur is taking a step towards fulfilling this objective, thereby promoting local languages while maintaining academic rigor.
Renaissance 2.0 Global Summit
The announcement was made during the Renaissance 2.0 summit, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of IIT Kharagpur. This summit serves as a global platform for reimagining civilization through education, economic constructs, and technological evolution. The event is anchored in four main pillars:
- Reimagining Education
- Rethinking Economic Constructs beyond Traditional Capitalism or Socialism
- Guiding Technological Evolution through ‘Science with Soul’
- Advancing the Vision of ‘One Humanity’
Vision for Education
Director Chakraborty emphasized the need for a transformation in education that prepares students not only as technocrats but also as responsible citizens. He stated, “We want to create a framework for a ‘Renaissance in Education’ that integrates technical intelligence with emotional vectors.” This vision underscores the importance of holistic education that goes beyond mere technical skills.
Notable Attendees
The Renaissance 2.0 summit was attended by several prominent figures, including:
- Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education
- Partha S Ghosh, Chairman of The Boston Pledge
- Madhusudan Chakraborty, Former Director of IIT Bhubaneswar
- Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group
- Padma Bhushan Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty
Conclusion
The launch of the BS program in AI and Data Science in Bengali at IIT Kharagpur represents a significant step towards inclusivity in higher education. By catering to the linguistic needs of Bengali-speaking students, the institute is not only expanding access to quality education but also reinforcing the importance of regional languages in the academic landscape.
Note: The details provided in this article are based on the announcement made by IIT Kharagpur and are subject to change upon final approval by the Senate.
