Opinion From blackboards to AI: A new Indian classroom for the ‘Techade’

In India, we stand at a crossroads. The choices we make now will determine whether we lead this global transformation or lag behind. At AICTE, we believe that Artificial Intelligence must not be feared — it must be understood, embraced, and guided. AI is not an adversary — it is a step forward in human evolution.

Classrooms in the cloud, education on demand

AI is revolutionising education in unprecedented ways. No longer confined to chalkboards and fixed syllabi, learning today is becoming dynamic, personalised, and borderless. Adaptive learning platforms, AI-powered tutors, automated assessments, and real-time feedback systems are making education more inclusive and tailored to individual needs. The classroom has shifted from a physical space to the cloud — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Traditional teaching methods are giving way to intelligent systems that understand learning curves and adapt content accordingly. Teachers are being freed from administrative burdens like grading and attendance, allowing them to focus on mentoring, inspiring, and nurturing critical thinking.

However, this transformation is not without its challenges. The over-reliance on automation can lead to a decline in original thought. AI-generated assignments are already raising questions about academic integrity. In response, we at AICTE are reimagining curricula and assessments to encourage deeper thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving.

Skilling India for the Techade

AI is not just transforming how we learn — it is redefining what we must learn. The job market is shifting rapidly. While AI has displaced certain roles — like typists, data entry operators, and routine clerical jobs — it has simultaneously created opportunities in data science, machine learning, AI ethics, robotics, cybersecurity, and beyond. Careers of the future will demand skills that combine technology with empathy, creativity, and adaptability.

In response, AICTE has declared 2025 as the “Year of AI”, a nationwide initiative to embed AI across disciplines — not just computer science. We are actively integrating Applied AI into programmes such as BBA, BCA, electrical engineering, and more. An expert committee led by industry stalwart Anand Deshpande and comprising academicians from IITs and NITs is guiding this transformation.

Our vision is clear: Every student, regardless of discipline, should graduate with foundational knowledge of AI and data analytics. Faculty development is central to this vision. We are investing heavily in training educators, equipping them to teach and guide students in using AI responsibly.

Because while students are adapting fast, it is the teachers who must lead the way. Without proper guidance, students might misuse these powerful tools. Therefore, building AI-literate, AI-competent faculty is not optional — it is a national priority.

Ethics, equity, and access

As we ride this wave of innovation, we must not lose sight of the human core of education. AI must never become a replacement for empathy, curiosity, or human connection. It must be a partner in progress, not a proxy for presence.

We must also be cautious of the digital divide. While AI has the potential to democratise education, it also risks widening existing inequalities if access to digital infrastructure and AI tools is not ensured equitably.

To address this, AICTE has launched a range of initiatives: National awareness campaigns, partnerships with technology leaders, and the creation of open-source AI learning materials. Our goal is to bring AI education to over 14,000 institutions and 40 million students across India.

At the same time, we are embedding AI ethics into our academic framework. Just as computer literacy became a necessity two decades ago, AI literacy — including ethics — must become the new norm.

Towards an AI-ready India

India is entering a decisive decade. The “Techade” is not just a slogan — it is a mission. In the coming years, we will see exponential growth in sectors like space technology, semiconductor design, quantum computing, biomedical innovation, green energy, and smart infrastructure.

To lead in this future, we must go beyond rote learning and theoretical knowledge. We need engineers who are not just job seekers but job creators. Solutionists, not specialists. Learners, not memorisers. Doers, not just dreamers.

This demands a fundamental shift in how we teach. Labs must become spaces of live innovation. Assignments must address real-world problems. Interdisciplinary teams must drive community impact through startups and projects. Education must move from the classroom to the community, from marks to meaning.

The final word

The AI era is not one of replacement, but of reinvention. It challenges us to rethink how we learn, how we teach, and how we work. The fear of AI must give way to the responsibility of AI — a responsibility that lies with educators, policymakers, industry, and every citizen.

AI is not just about machines becoming intelligent — it’s about humanity becoming wiser.

The writer is chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)