CSU Launches AICTE-Approved BTech in AI and Data Science

Synopsis: Central Sanskrit University launches an AICTE-approved BTech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, combining modern technology education with Indian Knowledge Systems, language technology, and manuscript digitisation initiatives.

Central Sanskrit University (CSU) introduces a new BTech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for the 2026-27 academic session, marking the university’s entry into engineering education. The AICTE-approved programme aims to combine emerging technologies with Indian Knowledge Systems, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and language technologies.

The four-year undergraduate programme is being offered at the university’s Nashik campus and has an intake capacity of 66 seats, including regular and additional seats. Admissions are being conducted through JEE Main scores and a university entrance examination for eligible candidates who do not qualify through JEE.

The programme is designed to provide students with technical skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing, deep learning, and related areas. Alongside core technology subjects, the course will also explore the connection between AI and Sanskrit-based knowledge resources, including computational linguistics and digital preservation of ancient texts.

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A key focus of the initiative is developing AI applications for Indian languages and traditional knowledge systems. The programme aims to support research in areas such as natural language processing, speech recognition, optical character recognition, and knowledge representation, which can help in digitising and analysing historical manuscripts and cultural resources.

The launch sort of mirrors the wider direction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which kind of pushes multidisciplinary education and the integration of traditional know how with today’s academic disciplines. With an engineering programme, CSU wants to stretch its presence beyond classical Sanskrit teaching and also carve out space at the overlap, between technology and heritage studies. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi frames this initiative as a clean example of blending India’s traditional knowledge systems, with modern tech. He also says that AI based tools could assist in preserving, translating and making India’s ancient texts and languages more widely reachable. 

The programme arrives right when artificial intelligence is becoming a major theme in education and research across Indian institutions. More and more universities are rolling out focused AI courses, to prepare students for expanding chances in technology driven sectors.

Through the new BTech programme, Central Sanskrit University aims to create a learning environment where engineering skills and cultural knowledge can work together. The initiative represents a shift towards interdisciplinary education, combining advanced computing technologies with India’s linguistic and knowledge traditions.