In a bid at modernising engineering education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has announced plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the curricula of core engineering branches starting in 2025. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance the relevance and value of traditional engineering disciplines by incorporating cutting-edge AI technologies.
The Vision: AI Across Disciplines
Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, revealed that the council has designated 2025 as the “Year of AI,” underlining its commitment to building a future-ready workforce. “The AICTE plans to integrate AI into the curriculum of core engineering branches as interdisciplinary modules. We’ve already introduced AI components into the Electrical Engineering undergraduate curriculum, serving as a model for other branches. The comprehensive rollout of AI-integrated curricula is expected by 2025,” he stated.
The revised curriculum will include AI-focused interdisciplinary modules, emphasizing domain-specific applications, ethical considerations, and innovative practices. This initiative aims to prepare engineering students to tackle real-world challenges by leveraging AI-driven tools and technologies.
Implementation Strategy
To facilitate the transition, the AICTE has urged colleges to submit detailed implementation plans for integrating AI into their curriculums. These plans will be evaluated by the AICTE Approval Bureau, with the top submissions highlighted as benchmarks for other institutions.
Colleges have also been encouraged to establish “AI Student Chapters” under the nationwide initiative, AI for All: The Future Begins Here. These student-driven hubs will promote innovation through workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures. The AICTE will provide guidelines and resources to ensure alignment with industry trends and ethical AI practices.
Prateek Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Technological University, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the need for institutions to develop the necessary infrastructure to support AI integration. “AI-integrated courses should not be limited to computer science and information technology but should extend to all engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering,” he said.
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Real-World Applications
AI is already making its mark across various engineering disciplines. For instance, in civil engineering, AI tools are used for designing smart buildings and predicting water quality. In mechanical engineering, AI is driving the development of autonomous vehicles, while in electrical engineering, it is a critical component of smart grids. By integrating AI into traditional engineering fields, AICTE aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating a workforce equipped with advanced skills for the AI-driven era.
