India is projected to require one million skilled AI (artificial intelligence) professionals by 2026. This significant increase in demand was highlighted in the report “India’s AI Revolution: A Roadmap to Viksit Bharat,” released by the Union Ministry of Electronics & IT.

To achieve the goal of becoming a $23-35 trillion economy by 2047, India’s higher education system, especially engineering, is undergoing massive changes. This transformation is crucial for preparing students for a job market that is increasingly impacted by AI, automation, and interdisciplinary advancements.

Engineering education is central to this evolving landscape. For the 2024-25 academic year, the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has increased approved B.Tech seats to 14.9 lakh, marking approximately a 16% rise in four years. This expansion is primarily due to an over 50% surge in seats for Computer Science and related fields like AI/ML, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Blockchain, which is reflecting robust industry demand.

India’s tech education is evolving, shifting from STEM to STEAM by integrating arts with technology along with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This transformation is producing versatile engineers who can innovate, code, collaborate, and lead, combining technical skills with design, communication, psychology, law, and business.

Symbiosis International (Deemed University) recently launched the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII). This new institute will focus on integrating cutting-edge AI into its academic programs and research.

Amruta Yeravdekar Ruikar, Head of International Admissions & Promotions, Symbiosis International University, said, “By embracing AI, we are not just keeping pace with global innovation but also empowering our students to become responsible innovators and problem-solvers who will shape the future. Curriculum at Symbiosis combines strong theoretical foundations with real-world applications from day one, creating a dynamic ecosystem that fosters both technical depth and interdisciplinary breadth. And this reflects in programs offered by our Symbiosis Dubai campus. Both B. Tech and BCA integrate AI in specialisations enforcing learning and development and preparing students for the future”.

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, believes in creating an AI-focused innovation environment. They achieve this by offering students hands-on learning like internships, global programs, and research. He explains that the university’s diverse approach combines strong foundational knowledge with practical applications, which equips students not only with technical AI skills but also crucial abilities like problem-solving, adaptability, ethics, and emotional intelligence.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/demand-for-ai-professionals-in-india-projected-to-touch-1-million-by-2026-report-11748746274116.html