AICTE introduces AI certificate course to upskill engineering faculty members
In a proactive move aimed at empowering and enhancing the skills of esteemed faculty members, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a series of short-term courses under quality improvement programmes. These courses are specifically designed to address the shortage of faculty members in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data science, offering a unique opportunity for faculty to remain at the forefront of engineering education.
In collaboration with AICTE, private institutions in Tamil Nadu are spearheading several certification courses to meet the rising demand for AI and data science analytics in the market. This academic year, an additional 25,000 seats are being allocated to engineering colleges affiliated with Anna University, underscoring the collective commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
Faculty members from mechanical, civil, electrical, and electronics departments, boasting a minimum of five years of experience, are eligible to apply for these programs. Offerings include courses in AI, data science, robotics, IoT, cyber-physical systems, virtual reality, and machine learning. These hybrid programs, facilitated by IIT, have a duration of six months and are provided at no cost. The application deadline is June 6.
As engineering colleges confront the challenge of securing qualified faculty to teach AI and data science, the AICTE’s AI certificate program serves as a beacon of hope. Colleges are adopting various strategies, from upskilling existing faculty to recruiting industry experts, to tackle this issue. RM Kishore, Vice Chairman of RMK Engineering College, emphasized the significance of the program, noting, “While upskilling our faculty in AI and data science is essential, it also entails significant costs.”
In response to colleges' requests, Anna University has been urged to recognize core engineering faculty as AI faculty post-certification. Institutions like Rajalakshmi Engineering College aim to cultivate a pool of AI and data science experts. Abhay Meganathan, Vice Chairman of Rajalakshmi Group of Institutions, stated, “In addition to training faculty, we are actively seeking to recruit industry experts as professors of practice.”
Principals have raised concerns about the worsening shortage, particularly as most computer science graduates opt for placements at the undergraduate level, with fewer pursuing postgraduate courses. Many colleges are thus expanding branches related to computer science. R Velraj, Vice Chancellor of Anna University, assured that the university would consider all factors and endeavour to address the faculty shortage.
Established in November 1945, the All India Council for Technical Education serves as a national-level Apex Advisory Body, entrusted with the review of technical education facilities and the promotion of coordinated and integrated growth nationwide. The institution is tasked with planning, developing, and implementing norms and standards, ensuring quality assurance through accreditation, monitoring, and evaluation, maintaining certification and award parity, and overseeing the coordinated and integrated development and management of technical education across the country.
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