IIT-Bombay make AI & Data Science course for undergraduates compulsory, pave the way for tech-ready graduates

In a significant move, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) has taken a bold step to ensure its undergraduate students stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Starting from the current academic year, IIT-B will require all its BTech and Bachelor of Science (BS) students to undertake a mandatory course in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI-DS).

This forward-thinking decision is aimed at equipping students with essential knowledge in AI-DS, setting a new standard for education in India.

@iitbombay Makes #AI and Data Science Subjects Mandatory for Undergraduates#ArtificialIntelligence #Mumbai https://t.co/AC7fGtzfRN

— Mumbai Live (@MumbaiLiveNews) September 14, 2023

Subhead: From tradition to innovation: Expanding the curriculum

Traditionally, undergraduate courses encompassed subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology as part of the core curriculum. However, IIT-B is now ushering in a new era by adding AI-DS to this list.

According to Professor Deepankar Choudhury, head of the civil engineering department and leader of the curriculum revision committee, this ensures that all students, regardless of their chosen field, gain a fundamental understanding of AI-DS, offering them a taste of its potential applications.

A universal offering: Extending to Bachelor of Science

The AI-DS course isn't confined to BTech students alone. It will also be a mandatory component for Bachelor of Science programs like Economics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Professor Avinash Mahajan, Dean of Academics, highlights how these programs inherently involve data analysis, making AI-DS a valuable addition to their educational journey.

We already have a centre for machine learning and data science where higher level specialised post-graduate and PhD programmes are offered in AI and DS. Now, we are introducing it at lower levels because of the sheer need felt across disciplines, as this is the way forward

Professor Avinash Mahajan, Dean of Academics

Building a Foundation: The course structure

The introduction of AI-DS will begin in the first semester of the second year as a common course with mandatory credit. However, IIT-B recognises the varying interests and career paths of students. Thus, interested individuals will have the opportunity to delve deeper into advanced AI-DS courses as they progress.

IIT-B already offers specialised post-graduate and PhD programs in AI and DS. This expansion to the undergraduate level reflects the growing demand for AI and DS skills across diverse disciplines. Professor Mahajan believes that providing foundational knowledge early on will prepare students for the job market and even empower them to create job opportunities in the future.

This decision aligns with the growing popularity of AI and DS as specialised courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It also complements IIT-B's broader curriculum overhaul, which introduced a range of non-engineering subjects to cater to changing student preferences and career choices.

In short, IIT-B's mandatory AI-DS course signifies a significant stride towards preparing Indian undergraduates for a tech-driven future, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-evolving job market.