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How universities are preparing engineers in India to lead the AI race – Education News
Opportunities in the Indian IT sector have long attracted students to pursue engineering to build promising careers with leading IT and tech giants, both in India and abroad. However, with advancements in technology, more businesses are adopting artificial intelligence, making it essential for tech talent to stay industry-relevant by keeping up with the latest technologies.
For instance, according to a recent SAP report, the adoption of Gen AI (66%) remained one of the top priorities for Indian midmarket businesses in 2024. However, as AI adoption grows, talent acquisition remains a significant concern, with 39% of Indian businesses identifying the challenge of attracting and retaining AI-skilled professionals as their biggest risk. This rising demand for IT and emerging tech skills is now prompting universities to not only deliver education that makes engineers job-ready but also to equip them with the in-demand skills needed to lead the AI revolution in this digital age.
Highlighting the in-demand skills in the AI world, Raul Villamarin Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, said, “In the current AI-focused world, the IT sector requires a variety of skills that extend beyond basic programming. Businesses are seeking individuals skilled in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and adept at utilising new technologies such as blockchain, IoT and AR/VR. In addition, it is imperative to have critical thinking, problem-solving skills, ethical AI practices, and knowledge of real-life uses.”
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Anand J. Kulkarni, Research Professor and Associate Director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at MIT World Peace University, Pune, stated that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a need for graduating engineers equipped with state-of-the-art AI and data science tools and techniques. These techniques require thorough knowledge and skills in computer programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB. Additionally, hands-on experience with data analysis tools like Microsoft Excel provides an edge in organizing and understanding data.
“As information becomes the oil that powers all types of industries, the type of data being handled is also a major aspect to consider. The concept of Big Data, characterized by the 5 Vs, is becoming crucial when utilizing this ‘oil’ to drive businesses and industries. IT professionals must be at least familiar with Big Data handling tools such as Hadoop, Tableau, and Cloud computing. Domain knowledge, in addition to these tools and techniques, will certainly be valuable for sustaining and advancing in the IT industry,” Kulkarni added.
To equip students with in-demand skills in a tech-focused environment, universities are now creating new programs to support talent.
Rodriguez shared, “We are completely in sync with industry requirements, equipping students to succeed in the rapidly changing, technology-focused environment. Our university’s program is designed to provide students with a basic understanding and practical skills in modern technologies. Students at Woxsen’s AI Research Centre acquire hands-on experience with AI tools and engage in project-based learning, tackling real-life problems provided by industry professionals. The enhancement of their skills is further supported by integrating simulation games, case scenario chatbots, and personalised AI learning apps.”
However, with growing AI adoption, there are also concerns about whether technology will replace the human workforce in diverse industries.
Commenting on this, Karun Tadepalli, Co-Founder and CEO of byteXL, said, “We are no doubt entering one of the most exciting eras in technological development in human history. It’s as though we are entering a new dimension at warp speeds. There’s a narrative around AI and LLM overlords ruling us that dominates most discussions around engineering education. However, it’s important to remember that the abacus did not replace people’s need to learn arithmetic. Similarly, knowing programming languages will always be foundational skills required to understand and govern machines. Will roles and methods of governance change?
“Of course, they will. The coming generation will have to chart their own paths and determine how technologically advanced future societies work. For that, they’ll require diverse skillsets far different from what our education system affords them today. For one, learning in silos might cease to exist. An engineer might also have to learn subjects from the humanities stream to address the complexities of tomorrow’s world. This integration of ideas and learning will most definitely shape institutional thinking and ideologies of the future,” he added.
As the IT landscape evolves rapidly with AI and other advanced technologies, the role of educational institutions in shaping future leaders becomes increasingly vital. By focusing on both technical proficiency and innovative thinking, universities are empowering students to not only meet industry demands but also drive transformative change. The future of India’s IT sector will be defined by those who are prepared to lead the next wave of digital innovation.
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