AICTE to integrate AI into curricula of core engg branches

AICTE to integrate AI into curricula of core engg branches 

The newly launched Electrical Engineering UG curriculum would be considered a template to be followed by other core branches

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 30.12.2024

To revamp the core engineering branches and enhance their value by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has planned to revise the curriculum soon. The tweaked curriculum will have AI included as interdisciplinary modules to emphasise AI applications specific to various domains, by understanding its ethical considerations and innovative practices. To build a future-ready workforce, the AICET has dedicated 2025 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence. Prof TG Sitharam, chairman, AICTE, says, “The AICTE plans to integrate AI into the curriculum of core engineering branches as interdisciplinary modules. 

The AICTE has already initiated the process by incorporating AI elements into the newly launched Electrical Engineering undergraduate curriculum, considering it as a model for further integrations across other core engineering branches. The comprehensive rollout of updated curricula for all branches is expected in 2025.” Meanwhile, the council also plans to launch certain schemes to help colleges in the implementation and inclusion of Research and Development on AI into the curricula of all engineering branches, adds Prof Sitharam. Implementation plan The AICTE has urged institutions to submit their respective AI implementation plans, which will be reviewed by the AICTE approval bureau, and the top submissions will be featured as benchmarks for other institutions. Prof Sitharam, says, “The AICTE has suggested colleges to form ‘AI Student Chapters’ under the nationwide initiative titled ‘AI for All: The Future Begins  Here’. The formation of student-driven hubs for innovation, and hosting workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures are some of the initiatives that colleges can indulge in. 

The AICTE will provide guidelines and resources for establishing these initiatives at institutions, ensuring their alignment with industry trends and ethical AI practices.” B Sathiyabhama, head, Computer Science and Engineering, Sona College of Techno logy in Salem, Tamil Nadu, says, “Given our current resources, we are prioritising AI initiatives that leverage existing infrastructure and expertise. The institution aims to introduce short-term certification courses on AI fundamentals for all engineering disciplines, utilising online platforms and inhouse expertise, establish AI labs that focus on low-cost experiments and projects, leveraging open-source AI frameworks, promote interdisciplinary AI projects that combine strengths from diverse departments, collaborate with industry partners to offer hands-on training and internships, ensuring students gain practical AI exposure, and initiate research on AI applications in niche areas including environmental monitoring in Civil Engineering and diagnostic tools in Biomedical Engineering.”