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CHENNAI: The Vice-Chancellor of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Madhan Mohan Tripathi, Spoke to DT Next about AI and the future of engineering education:
What are the 3 biggest changes engineering colleges in India must adopt immediately?
AI subjects should be introduced in the curriculum of all engineering colleges; not included just for the sake of it but they should be properly designed and taught. Students should also be trained to use AI tools effectively, learn to identify problems around them and find solutions using AI technology.
Do you think the current engineering curriculum is keeping pace with AI and emerging technologies?
Some colleges are already designing and implementing their curriculum well. However, educational institutions need to quickly include emerging technologies in their courses. There are also many training programmes offered by industries through digital platforms. Educational institutions should encourage and help students take advantage of them and develop industry-relevant skills.
So, should AI become a compulsory subject for all engineering students?
No, not only for engineering students but it should be introduced to students across all disciplines. AI will become the next-generation form of literacy.
What message would you like to give engineering students who are worried that AI might replace their jobs?
AI will not take away jobs, but it will increase employment opportunities and create many new jobs. However, the nature of jobs will change, and the skills required for those jobs will also be different. Those who are ready to update and develop their skills will have plenty of opportunities. Students should not just learn. They should apply what they learn and create projects. For every course they study, they should think about how the knowledge can be applied in real life and try to develop even a small product based on it.
Is coding alone enough? What other interdisciplinary skills should students develop?
Coding alone will not be enough. If students want better salary packages and career opportunities, they should also learn at least one AI language and develop skills related to AI. Lifelong learning is very important. If students stop learning, their skills can quickly become outdated. Critical thinking and design thinking are also essential. Even when employment opportunities are limited, students with these skills can create their own products and remain relevant in the market.
How is NIELIT supporting AI education and industry-ready skill development across the country?
We’ve already established 28 AI labs, which is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. NIELIT offers 42 AI-related programmes and has already trained around 10,000 students. We also have a Digital University platform where several AI programmes are offered. These are industry-oriented programmes designed to meet current requirements.
What should TN do to become a national leader in AI-driven engineering education?
Tamil Nadu has several excellent educational institutions. I believe these institutions are functioning with a strong sense of responsibility. TN’s educational institutions are performing better than those in many other States and are quick to introduce new technologies to students. In this regard, Tamil Nadu is already setting an example for other States.