Assam Taps IIT-G to Train Government School Teachers in Artificial Intelligence
In a significant move to enhance the educational landscape in Assam, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has initiated a program aimed at equipping government school teachers with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative marks a pivotal step towards integrating modern technology into the state’s educational framework.
Overview of the Initiative
On December 8, 2025, IIT-G announced that it had successfully trained the first batch of government school teachers in AI. This training program is designed to enable these educators to teach the newly introduced AI course in schools affiliated with the Assam state board. The AI subject has been introduced in Class XI during the current academic session, with plans to expand its presence in subsequent classes.
Details of the Training Program
A total of 126 teachers from over 100 government schools participated in the AI training program, which was conducted by the Mehta Family School of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at IIT-G. The initiative aims to extend this training to a broader group of educators throughout the northeastern region of India.
Curriculum Development
The introduction of AI as an elective subject is part of a phased rollout, with plans for its inclusion in Class XII in the upcoming academic year. The subject was first introduced in Class IX last year, followed by Class X this year. Naranarayan Nath, the secretary of the Assam State School Education Board, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The first batch of Class XII students with AI education will pass out in 2027, marking a new era in higher education and enhancing employability opportunities.”
Textbook Development
To support the teaching of AI, IIT-G faculty members Debanga Raj Neog and Shyamanta M Hazarika, along with Sadiq Hussain from Dibrugarh University, have authored textbooks for Class XI. The Class XI textbook was recently launched by the Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, with the Class XII textbook currently in development. These resources are designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of AI concepts for students in Assam.
Significance of the Training
The training of teachers, many of whom were previously unfamiliar with AI, is crucial for the successful implementation of the AI curriculum. IIT-G Director Devendra Jalihal emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it not only prepares teachers for the new subject but also contributes to the overall improvement of educational standards in the region.
Future Prospects
Rahul Mehta, founder of the Mehta Family Foundation, highlighted the potential impact of this initiative on the local economy. He stated, “Nurturing high-quality talent in Assam will attract companies for research, specific to the northeast, transforming the region into a hub of AI activities and economic growth.”
Online BSc Program in AI
In addition to the teacher training program, IIT-G has launched an online Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in AI, which began in 2023. This program has gained significant popularity, with admissions increasing from 700 in its first year to 1,400 in the current year. The Assam government has also supported this initiative by sending over 200 students for training, with 80 students selected for the online BSc program.
Conclusion
Prof. Devendra Jalihal expressed gratitude to the Mehta Family Foundation for their support and underscored the broad applications of AI, which range from drug discovery to automatic translation. He anticipates that the online BSc course could see admissions reach 5,000 within the next five years, further solidifying Assam’s position in the field of AI education.
Note: The integration of AI in education is a vital step towards preparing students for future job markets, and initiatives like these are crucial for fostering technological advancement in the region.
