Uttar Pradesh Emerges as India's AI Education Hub with Chandigarh University's New Smart Campus

Uttar Pradesh backs India's first private AI-augmented multidisciplinary university

Publication date: 29/09/2025

Chandigarh University has launched India's first private AI-augmented multidisciplinary university in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The institution will offer 43 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across engineering, health and life sciences, business administration, liberal arts, and legal studies. Set on a 100+ acre smart campus, the new site will use AI to accelerate innovation and promote holistic learning across disciplines.

What's new at a glance

• First private AI-augmented multidisciplinary university in India, located in Uttar Pradesh
• 43 programmes spanning engineering, health and life sciences, business, liberal arts, and law
• 100+ acre smart campus with an innovation-first approach
• AI integrated to support research, industry collaboration, and student experience

Why this matters for Uttar Pradesh

Backed by the state government, the initiative is set to position Uttar Pradesh as a national leader in AI-related education. It fits with the state's development agenda and growing investment in digital infrastructure.

• Planned "AI City" near Lucknow to establish the region as an AI hub and provide advanced training for local youth
• Stronger industry linkages aimed at improving graduate employability
• Priority on access and affordability to widen participation for local students
• Recent land reforms enabling private universities and investors to acquire land
• Wider economic benefits consistent with India's national AI agenda

Implications for UK higher education

This creates both competition and opportunity. Large-scale AI-focused training, delivered through public-private collaboration and tied to socio-economic goals, calls for agile, interdisciplinary responses.

• Develop joint research programs with Indian partners
• Co-create AI-focused curricula and collaborative certification models
• Offer targeted upskilling and bridging courses for Indian learners to support entry into postgraduate study and professional pathways
• Build stronger partnerships with Indian industry, government, and universities

Action steps for education leaders

• Audit current AI content across programmes and identify gaps for interdisciplinary integration
• Prioritise industry-linked projects, internships, and labs that develop applied AI skills
• Design stackable micro-credentials and bridging routes for Indian learners progressing into advanced study
• Establish partnership frameworks with institutions in Uttar Pradesh that align to workforce needs and regional development

Resources to accelerate curriculum and skills development

If you are building bridging courses or micro-credentials in AI, these resources can help:

• Latest AI courses for fast curriculum mapping and updates
• Popular AI certifications to inform collaborative certification models