Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made a significant announcement in Chennai on Wednesday. He revealed that National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) will undergo a major curriculum overhaul. This change aims to meet global demands and position India as a leader in the financial world.
A Paradigm Shift in Higher Education
Speaking after Pongal celebrations at IIT Madras, Pradhan emphasized the need for this transformation. "India is the fourth largest economy globally and a superpower in finance," he stated. "As the world looks to us, we must prepare our education systems accordingly." The decision emerged from a governing council meeting of NITSER, the highest decision-making body for NITs and IISERs.
Mother Tongue Takes Center Stage
Pradhan highlighted a key aspect of the new approach. Mother tongue instruction will receive priority across all educational levels. "From school to research, the teaching medium will be the mother tongue," he affirmed. He expressed confidence that this shift will align Indian education with global needs, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence
The minister also reviewed the Centre of Excellence in AI for education. He underscored AI's potential to revolutionize governance and pedagogy. "Using AI will enable a quantum leap in our teaching-learning materials," Pradhan noted. Both central and state institutions are gearing up to integrate AI into their curricula.
Pongal Celebrations at IIT Madras
The announcement followed vibrant Pongal festivities at IIT Madras. The staff club and Muthamizh Mandram jointly organized the event under the institute's administration. Pradhan received a traditional Tamil welcome featuring folk arts like ‘Parai', ‘Madattam', ‘Mayilattam', and ‘Poi Kaal Kuthirai'. IIT Madras director V Kamakoti and others attended the celebration.
This curriculum revamp marks a proactive step to enhance India's educational framework. It seeks to blend global relevance with cultural roots, leveraging technology for future-ready learning.
