The University of Bengal contains AI in its undergraduate syllabus. City College, which holds bridge courses as Calcutta University

In accordance with the National Education Policy Guidelines, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently included in the undergraduate syllabus of universities in West Bengal. However, the lack of appropriate infrastructure and the lack of subject matter experts has made them concerned about the quality of AI education offered at these institutions.

Calcutta University announces its skill strengthening initiative

To address these issues, Calcutta University has announced a special initiative for its associated universities. In collaboration with several IT organizations, the AI Skills Enhancement Course has been introduced to help students build essential AI skills. As part of it, experts from AI Champion IndiaSpecialist Group will run bridge courses at City College, Kolkata to provide basic AI training. At the press conference, experts noted the growing public's anxiety about AI-related unemployment, along with the misconception that only special technology research can lead to future employment opportunities. They stressed that while concerns are natural, the situation is not entirely surprising and requires open discussion and a balanced understanding.

Registrar highlights a balanced approach to AI education

After officially launching the AI curriculum at City College, Debashis Das, registrar at Calcutta University, said.

The inclusion of AI in academic silavies increases the professional value of a variety of subjects. However, of course, concerns about AI applications are also rising. To address these mixed reactions, we planned targeted training sessions in collaboration with experts.

He added that the initiative will help students gain a clearer career pathway in the evolving job market.

It has been announced that City College's special training program will be held from May 27th to June 14th.

Bridge courses to cover AI fundamentals for science students

The Bridge course introduces students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its applications to various fields of science. The aim is to help science undergraduates, particularly those studying mathematics, chemistry and physics, understand how AI tools support and enhance their core subjects. Teachers and professors in related fields will also be allowed to participate in the sessions, experts interested in collaborating with AI.

More AI programs planned at state universities

Piyush Ranjan Ghosh, founder AI Champion IndiaI said,

This course is being launched at City College with five expert instructors in the early stages. Gradually, similar programs will be implemented at other Calcutta University universities and institutions throughout the state.

He also mentioned plans to hold individual training sessions for university teachers. 500 AI-trained teachers Ultimately, it will be necessary to effectively teach the subject in West Bengal.

AI training is expected to raise interest in science courses

Commenting on the initiative, Anupa Saha, a professor at the Church of Scotland University, spoke out.

The current subject-based syllabus is extremely complicated. In recent years, the number of hospitalizations in basic science subjects has been steadily decreasing. Furthermore, due to the lack of faculty, it has become difficult to complete the syllabus on time and to properly publish the results.

She believes that such AI-based programs can revive students' interest in higher science research and open up new career opportunities.