IIT Bombay mandates AI and Data Science for undergraduates

Starting this academic year, the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) has incorporated Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI-DS) as a mandatory course for undergraduate students pursuing BTech and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees.

Professor Deepankar Choudhury, Head of the Civil Engineering department and leader of the curriculum revision panel, emphasised that while previously, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology were standard courses, AI-DS is now a vital addition. Every student will gain exposure to it, equipping them with the knowledge to utilise it, regardless of whether they choose to do so or not. The introduction of AI-DS was one of the recommendations put forth by the committee.”

“Professor Avinash Mahajan, Dean of Academics, clarified that except for the design course, which falls under a distinct field, the AI-DS curriculum will be applicable to all Bachelor of Science (BS) programmes, including Economics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These already involve substantial data analysis components.

The introduction of AI-DS will begin with a mandatory credit course in the first semester of the second year. For those keen on delving deeper, advanced courses in the field will be available as optional choices at a later stage.