Saras, IIT BHU Team Up in Strategic AI Push for India’s Future

In a significant move to advance India’s goal of becoming a global leader in AI, the Saras AI Institute – the world’s first fully online, AI-exclusive degree-granting higher education institution located in the US – has established a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT BHU).

With this MoU, Saras will provide its foundational 8-week course, "Powers of AI," as an open elective for students at IIT BHU. Distinctively, this initiative is not restricted to computer science or engineering fields — it welcomes all undergraduate students across various fields, guaranteeing that the transformative power of AI is accessible to everyone, from engineering to the arts.

This course provides an introduction to the realm of AI without needing any previous coding or mathematical knowledge. The programme, structured in a project-based format, familiarizes students with essential AI fields, such as machine learning, generative AI, deep learning, and prompt engineering. 

Rather than conventional assessments, learners will create real-world projects — cultivating hands-on skills that equip them for influential positions in the AI-focused future. It aims to serve as a useful foundation for learners interested in comprehending and engaging in this field.

The course also seeks to establish a foundation in the ethical and responsible application of AI—an increasingly crucial aspect as technology becomes more woven into business processes and daily activities.

With this initiative, Saras reinforces the institute's dedication to fostering India's AI talent, essential for reaching the government's bold goal of producing one million AI professionals by 2026. The MoU also sets up the foundation for adaptable learning routes for students and creates a credit transfer scheme. This will allow students from various fields to pursue an online Minor in AI, explore Associate Degree options, and obtain industry-recognized AI certifications through the digital campus of Saras AI Institute.