Demand for AI Professionals in India to Hit 1 Million by Next Year: MeitY Report
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently released a report titled ‘India’s AI Revolution: A Roadmap to Viksit Bharat’, highlighting the growing emphasis on AI education across the country. The report projects that the demand for AI professionals will reach 1 million by next year, driven by significant government initiatives and industry needs.
Growth in AI Education and BTech Seats
The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved a substantial increase in BTech seats for the 2024-25 academic year, rising to 14.9 lakh. This represents nearly a 16% growth over the past four years. The surge is mainly due to a more than 50% rise in seats for high-demand fields such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Blockchain.
This expansion reflects the strong demand from industry for skilled professionals who can contribute to emerging technologies. Updating curricula to include AI, 5G, and semiconductor design aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring graduates are job-ready and can transition smoothly into the workforce.
IndiaAI Future Skills Initiative
Under the IndiaAI Future Skills initiative, AI education is being expanded at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. The government is offering fellowships to full-time PhD scholars researching AI at the top 50 NIRF-ranked institutes. Additionally, to increase accessibility, data and AI Labs are being set up in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. A model IndiaAI Data Lab has already been established at NIELIT Delhi.
IIT Madras Launches Free AI Courses
In an effort to make AI education more accessible, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced five new online AI courses on its SWAYAM Plus platform. These courses are free and open to learners from various academic backgrounds, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and working professionals. Interested candidates can register on the SWAYAM Plus platform to apply.
Preparing Educators for the AI Era
For those involved in education, this rapid expansion in AI-focused programs means an increased need to update teaching materials and methods. Institutions should consider integrating AI-related skills into their curricula and encourage students to explore these growing fields.
Additional resources and courses for educators and learners interested in AI can be found at Complete AI Training, which offers a wide range of programs tailored for various skill levels and job roles.
- Understanding the trends in AI education helps educators align their teaching with industry demands.
- Encouraging students to take advantage of government initiatives and free courses can improve employability.
- Expanding AI labs in smaller cities opens new opportunities for wider participation in AI learning.
The focus on AI and related technologies in higher education is set to shape the job market significantly. Educators play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals ready to meet this demand.
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