North Bengal University Explores Courses in Green Energy, AI

North Bengal University explores new academic programmes in green energy, battery technology, artificial intelligence and sustainable processes following the West Bengal higher education department’s research priorities.

The University of North Bengal (NBU) is exploring new academic programmes and research initiatives in emerging areas such as green energy, battery technology, artificial intelligence and sustainable processes. The move follows a directive from the West Bengal higher education department encouraging state-aided universities to strengthen their focus on emerging technologies and priority research areas.

The directive identifies several fields for greater attention in higher education and research, including green hydrogen, electric vehicle batteries, natural and chemical-free farming, waste management, water management, forensic sciences, and space science and defence manufacturing. The focus is linked to priorities discussed at the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in December 2025.

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NBU’s chemistry department has already undertaken work in some of these areas. The university has been pursuing research on low-cost electrocatalysts for green hydrogen technologies and other applications following the growing emphasis on clean-energy solutions. Faculty members view the latest directive as an opportunity to further align the university’s research and academic activities with emerging technological and sustainability requirements.

Professor Bhaskar Biswas of the chemistry department says the university is considering expanding its academic offerings to cover areas including green energy, batteries, artificial intelligence, industrially relevant value-added products and sustainable processes. These fields are increasingly gaining importance as institutions seek to connect academic research with technological development and industry requirements.

The university administration has also discussed the possibility of introducing new courses and academic schools around these emerging areas. Acting Registrar Samar Kumar Biswas confirms that discussions are underway regarding potential new programmes. However, the university has not yet announced specific course structures, eligibility criteria, admission timelines or launch dates.

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The proposed expansion could strengthen NBU’s role in multidisciplinary research while creating opportunities for students to gain exposure to sectors linked to clean energy, advanced materials, artificial intelligence and sustainability. The initiative also reflects the wider push to make higher education institutions more responsive to emerging national priorities and technological developments.