Central Sanskrit University has launched a groundbreaking Bachelor of Technology programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This initiative represents a novel effort to merge contemporary technology with India’s rich linguistic and cultural traditions. The university aims to equip students with skills in emerging technologies while fostering research connected to India’s ancient knowledge systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the significance of this initiative in his Mann Ki Baat address, stating it reflects a commitment to prepare young individuals with skills essential for the future. He noted that the programme would facilitate the development of AI tools specifically for Indian languages, as well as expedite the digitisation and preservation efforts of ancient texts and manuscripts.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the programme, which will be offered at the university’s Nashik campus beginning in the academic session of 2026-27. With admissions already underway, this marks one of the earliest engineering programmes introduced by a Sanskrit university.

Addressing Challenges in Manuscript Accessibility

India’s rapid advancement in the AI sector comes alongside significant investments in the digitisation of its vast array of manuscripts. Millions of Sanskrit texts currently remain either untranslated or not digitised, which poses significant barriers for researchers and scholars. The integration of AI can facilitate various tasks such as document recognition, translation, and language processing, ultimately enhancing knowledge retrieval and digital archiving.

This programme is anticipated to cultivate a skilled workforce adept in the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, and traditional Indian knowledge systems. It has the potential to contribute to the creation of AI models tailored for Sanskrit and other regional languages, thereby diminishing reliance on language technologies predominantly designed for English.

The curriculum is designed to combine core engineering disciplines with subjects in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Students will not only gain technical skills but also explore AI applications within Indian linguistic contexts, ancient literary works, and digital conservation techniques.

Strengthening the AI Ecosystem in India

The introduction of this programme aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its AI landscape through substantial investments in research and digital public infrastructure, as well as advancements in language technologies. There is a growing demand for AI professionals across various sectors, leading to increased opportunities for students pursuing this technology-oriented engineering degree.

In offering such a programme, the Central Sanskrit University provides a unique platform for students to engage in the preservation and digitisation of India’s cultural and linguistic heritage. Moreover, it fosters an environment where upcoming professionals can contribute to the evolving relationship between AI and traditional knowledge systems.

Students enrolled in this programme will receive comprehensive training in areas like machine learning, data analytics, and programming, complemented by hands-on projects focusing on India’s rich knowledge heritage. The combination of technological expertise and cultural understanding aims to prepare a new generation of experts capable of navigating the complexities of AI in a context relevant to Indian traditions.

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