The government is liberalising the tech academic sector to develop AI-focused curricula in order to build a skilled talent pool and strengthen India's AI ecosystem, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday.
He was speaking at the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum 2025
“Academia must evolve. The focus now shifts to reshaping graduate, master’s, and PhD programs,” he said.
In order to become an AI ready nation, the government recognised the significance of talent pool and AI skill set. IndiaAI Mission is the flagship initiative of the government, seeking to set aside barriers to AI education by focusing on higher education and coordinating with existing skilling efforts.
Initially, fellowships under the IndiaAI FutureSkills will be offered to students in B.Tech. and M.Tech. programs at all engineering institutes who undertake AI projects, thus bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application and ensuring a workforce proficient in essential AI skills.
India is actively embracing cutting-edge technologies from around the world, a vision that relies on a diverse talent pool—from students to startup founders. Emphasizing this, Vaishnaw stated, "India has the capability to build its own AI models, driven by students, startups, and a strong research foundation."
“With centers of excellence and techno-legal frameworks, the country is taking a proactive approach - developing technical tools to address security concerns while ensuring innovation thrives,” he added.
Centre of Excellence (CoE) is a specialized hub focused on innovation, research, and skill development in a particular field. In the context of AI and technology, a CoE serves as a collaborative ecosystem where industry leaders, academia, and policymakers.
According to the data, given by MeitY there are a total 26 operationalised COEs in India.
India has already proven its ability from Digital Public Infrastructure to AI-driven solutions, India’s unique model is already delivering phenomenal results,reiterated Vaishnaw in the NASSCOM event.
The NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum 2025 serves as a platform for stakeholders across various sectors to exchange insights and collaborate on technological advancements.
