Higher education institutions must redesign their curricula, teaching methods and evaluation systems to stay relevant as artificial intelligence reshapes learning, experts said at AI Manthan 2.0, held at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) in Kanpur on Saturday. The warning comes as students increasingly bypass traditional classrooms, turning instead to social media and AI-powered platforms for knowledge.
Prof C Patwardhan of Dayalbagh Educational Institute did not mince words about the stakes. "We either adapt or we perish," he said, arguing that degree and credit systems built around classroom attendance are becoming obsolete.
The case for capability over seat time
Patwardhan called for a shift to capability-based assessment using open-book examinations, portfolios, seminars, vivas and practical demonstrations. He also pushed for micro-credentials, AI literacy, ethics education and a stronger emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Aditya Nigam of IIT Mandi pointed to a skill that will matter more as AI handles routine answers. "In a world where AI can easily generate answers, the ability to ask meaningful questions will become a critical skill," he said. Nigam urged universities to adopt adaptive curricula, hybrid learning models and project-based assessments. He also argued that AI should be used responsibly as a learning aid rather than banned from classrooms.
The social sciences warning
Mayurrakshi Chaudhari of FLAME University brought a social sciences lens to the discussion, warning against algorithmic bias and data discrimination. She stressed the importance of keeping humans at the center of technological development and promoting responsible AI practices.
The speakers agreed that uniquely human qualities - critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgment, adaptability and lifelong learning - will determine which students thrive in an AI-driven world. For educators, that means curricula cannot stay frozen while the information environment around them transforms.
Why this matters for education professionals
Faculty and administrators who wait for top-down mandates risk falling behind their own students. The experts at AI Manthan 2.0 described a clear path: replace attendance-based credits with demonstrated capability, integrate AI for Education into teaching practice rather than prohibiting it, and redesign assessments around open-book exams, portfolios and vivas. For teachers building these skills now, structured AI Learning Path for Teachers programs offer a starting point that aligns with the assessment and curriculum reforms discussed at the event.
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