OpenAI partners with IIT Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad, others to build AI-ready talent
On February 18, 2026, OpenAI announced a significant partnership with several leading Indian universities aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into various educational disciplines. This initiative seeks to prepare students for a tech-driven economy by embedding AI across management, healthcare, engineering, creative fields, and multidisciplinary education.
Overview of the Partnership
The first cohort of institutions involved in this collaboration includes:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)
- Pearl Academy
This initiative aims to support over 100,000 students, faculty, and staff within the next year. The focus will be on moving beyond mere access to AI tools, establishing a campus-wide integration that emphasizes responsible use and academic integrity.
Importance of AI Literacy
Raghav Gupta, Head of Education at OpenAI India, emphasized the necessity of AI literacy for future generations. He noted that studies predict that by 2030, nearly 40% of core skills required in the workforce will change, primarily due to advancements in AI technology. Gupta stated:
“Yet, a gap remains between what AI tools can do and how people are using them. Education institutions are a critical route to bridge this gap.”
By embedding AI tools, training, and research into the educational framework, institutions can equip students with essential skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Components of the Collaboration
The collaboration will include several key components:
- Enterprise-grade ChatGPT Edu access
- Structured onboarding processes
- Discipline-specific implementation guidance
- Responsible-use frameworks aligned with institutional policies
AI fluency will be integrated into core academic workflows, including:
- Advanced prompting
- Analytics
- Coding
- Simulations
- Case analysis
- AI-assisted research
Support for Innovation and Research
OpenAI will also support various events such as hackathons, build days, and Industry Days, which aim to connect campus innovation with startups and enterprises. Additionally, IIM Ahmedabad and MAHE will implement OpenAI certifications to formalize structured AI capability pathways within their business and multidisciplinary programs.
Collaboration with Ed-Tech Platforms
Beyond traditional campuses, OpenAI is collaborating with several ed-tech platforms, including:
- PhysicsWallah
- UpGrad
- HCL GUVI
These partnerships will focus on launching structured AI courses that emphasize both fundamental concepts and practical applications of ChatGPT for students and early-career professionals.
Institution-Specific Focus Areas
IIT Delhi
The partnership with IIT Delhi will emphasize engineering-led innovation and advanced research. Key initiatives will include:
- Potential campus-wide ChatGPT Edu access
- Faculty briefings
- Integration of generative AI tools into applied problem-solving and systems design
Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating:
“We are delighted to partner with OpenAI to explore access to the latest ChatGPT Edu tools for our students, researchers, and faculty.”
IIM Ahmedabad
At IIM Ahmedabad, AI fluency will be embedded across various curricula, including:
- Strategy
- Operations
- Finance
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Public Policy
Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, remarked:
“Technology has always been a great enabler for humankind. It is time that we brace ourselves by building a strong foundation for an exciting future.”
AIIMS New Delhi
In collaboration with AIIMS New Delhi, OpenAI will explore the application of AI in medical education and clinical training. This includes the establishment of an AI in Medical Education Hub, which aims to:
- Establish robust quality benchmarks
- Implement safety guardrails
- Set ethical standards for AI use in clinical settings
M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, emphasized the potential of AI to enhance academic excellence and clinical precision.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
MAHE will focus on cross-disciplinary research and promoting large-scale AI literacy. Lt Gen M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, stated:
“Through this collaboration with OpenAI, MAHE aspires to cement its role as a digitally transformed and AI-enabled pioneering higher education institution.”
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)
At UPES, AI will be integrated across various disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Business
- Design
- Law
- Health Sciences
Pearl Academy
Pearl Academy will focus on the role of AI in creative practices, such as:
- Design development
- Branding
