AI Course Evolution in India

Published Date : 09/06/2025 

Discover the journey of AI education in India, from its early beginnings in the 1960s to the establishment of specialized AI universities in the 2020s. Learn how AI courses have transformed and why they are crucial today. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently a powerful aspect of our daily lives. It helps us through mobile assistants, self-driving cars, and more. The technology is no longer limited to just tech companies or research labs in India. One significant sign of this change is the growing number of people enrolling in AI courses. But when did India first start offering artificial intelligence courses? Let’s take a brief look at the journey of AI education in the country.

The connection of India with AI dates back farther than many can imagine. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and a couple of other giants started exploring the basics of computing and automation in the 1960s. The early studies, however, were not officially labeled as “AI.” They laid the foundation for future learning.

Two Indian professors made history in the 1970s. Prof. G. Krishna introduced the so-called first artificial intelligence course in the country. Prof. B.L. Deekshatulu started teaching pattern recognition around the same time, which is now a core part of AI studies. They sparked interest in the growing field, even though the courses were rare and only offered in top research institutions.

The 1990s witnessed more attention to AI, equipped with the rise of computers and the internet. Indian universities then started seeing AI as more than just theory; it was becoming a skill in demand. Prof. P.S. Sastry from IISc introduced a machine learning course during the same period. It was a giant leap forward as it showed that AI was being treated as a real subject with real-world applications.

The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H), became a leader in AI research in the early 2000s. They started groups that mainly focused on natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision. These topics are now essential in any modern artificial intelligence course.

AI really took off in India during the 2010s. The demand for skilled professionals increased as companies around the world gradually started investing in AI. Indian educational institutions quickly adapted to the growing demand. IIT Kharagpur launched a six-month certification program in AI and machine learning in 2019. The artificial intelligence course was designed for students and working professionals looking to upgrade their skills. It marked the beginning of AI education offered outside traditional classrooms.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) encouraged various colleges in India to start new courses in AI. By 2020, hundreds of colleges had included AI courses in their degree programs. AI was no longer just for researchers; it was for everyone.

The Indian government played an important role in making AI education accessible to all. It launched the SWAYAM platform in 2017, an online learning space that offered free courses in several subjects, including AI. The artificial intelligence courses allowed students from smaller towns to access high-quality content without the expense.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education introduced the SATHEE platform in 2023, partnering with IIT Kanpur and the University Grants Commission. It used AI to help students prepare for their entrance exams.

India witnessed another major milestone in 2023 with the launch of Universal AI University in Maharashtra. The university, the first of its kind, is entirely dedicated to AI. It offers full-time artificial intelligence courses for undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral students. The university follows a unique approach, combining AI with other subjects such as business, healthcare, and law.

The value of an artificial intelligence course is undoubtedly widely understood. Students from all backgrounds now seek to learn AI, knowing it improves their job prospects. Businesses increasingly prefer to hire individuals who can work with data and automation. AI tools are now being used to predict crop yields, detect diseases, prevent fraud, and personalize learning for students.

AI education is growing at a rapid pace, but not all artificial intelligence courses are of high quality. Some focus too much on theory and fail to provide real-world skills. Others are too basic and fail to explain the impact of AI on society. Another challenge is access. Students in cities have access to good internet and modern tools, but many students in rural India are still struggling with connectivity. AI courses need to be made available in regional languages and adapted to different learning levels.

The popularity of artificial intelligence courses represents a long-term shift in how we prepare for the future. Learning about AI helps stay relevant in a changing job market and think critically about technology's impact on society. AI education is also about awareness beyond employment. We can have better conversations about ethics, data privacy, and bias in algorithms when more people understand how AI works. A good artificial intelligence course can build awareness alongside technical knowledge. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: When did AI courses first start in India?

A: AI courses in India started in the 1970s. Prof. G. Krishna introduced the first AI course, and Prof. B.L. Deekshatulu began teaching pattern recognition during this period.

Q: What significant role did the 1990s play in AI education in India?

A: The 1990s saw increased attention to AI due to the rise of computers and the internet. Indian universities began recognizing AI as a skill in demand, and Prof. P.S. Sastry from IISc introduced a machine learning course.

Q: What is the SWAYAM platform, and how has it impacted AI education in India?

A: SWAYAM is an online learning platform launched by the Indian government in 2017. It offers free courses in various subjects, including AI, making high-quality content accessible to students from smaller towns.

Q: What is the Universal AI University, and when was it established?

A: The Universal AI University, established in 2023 in Maharashtra, is the first university entirely dedicated to AI. It offers full-time AI courses for undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral students, combining AI with other subjects like business, healthcare, and law.

Q: Why is the quality and inclusivity of AI courses important in India?

A: The quality and inclusivity of AI courses are crucial because not all courses provide real-world skills or explain the impact of AI on society. Additionally, students in rural areas often lack access to modern tools and the internet, making it essential to adapt courses to different learning levels and regional languages. 

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