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The Indian government has been proactively driving initiatives to bolster data science education and skilling across the country. Recognizing the transformative potential of big data and analytics, the government has launched several programs to bridge the skill gap, foster research and innovation, and position India as a global hub for data science.
Key initiatives include the Big Data Initiatives Programme by the Ministry of Science and Technology, which provides funding support for centers of excellence, training, and research.
The National Education Policy 2020 also emphasizes the integration of digital and online education, paving the way for more data science courses. These government-led efforts aim to equip the Indian workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the data-driven economy and drive innovation across sectors.
Data Lake Project
In Bangalore, the Planning Department approved a pilot Data Lake project costing INR 5 crore, with technical support from the Centre for Open Data Research (CODR), the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), and the e-Governance Department of Karnataka.
Announced by IIIT-B on July 4, 2022, this is one of the government initiatives in data science education in India aims to support data-driven planning with funding from the Government of Karnataka. The Data Lake project enhances data integration and accessibility, supports evidence-based planning, and advances research capabilities.
It fosters collaboration among institutions, promotes skill development, and improves decision-making by providing real-time data access, ultimately benefiting educational and research institutions.
Big Data Initiatives Program
India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Big Data Initiatives Program to advance big data science, technology, and applications across the nation.
This program funds big data research and development efforts and facilitates the establishment of Centers of Excellence focused on big data analytics, predictive technologies, and cybersecurity.
It addresses challenges posed by massive amounts of data in various fields, including astrophysics, materials science, earth and atmospheric observations, energy, computational biology, bioinformatics, engineering, GIS and remote sensing, cognitive science, and statistical data.
By exploiting the potential of big data, this initiative marks a significant step forward in accelerating scientific and technical growth in India.
Future Skills Bootcamp
In July 2023, the upGrad Foundation, the charitable arm of upGrad, Asia's premier integrated learning, skilling, and workforce development firm, hosted a successful 'Future Skills Bootcamp on Data Science and Soft Skills' in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
This is one of the government initiatives in data science education in India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aimed to meet the market's growing demand for data science skills. UpGrad's seasoned faculty members facilitated engaging sessions, ensuring active participation and skill enhancement among the trainees.
IIT-Bombay's AI and Data Science Courses
In September 2023, IIT-Bombay mandated AI and data science courses for BTech and BS students. This strategic decision followed a thorough evaluation of the BTech curriculum, guided by proposals from a specialized group.
The goal was to integrate these courses at the foundational level, providing students with essential knowledge early in their academic careers.
Students could then tailor their learning paths based on departmental or program criteria, selecting more advanced courses aligned with their chosen focus.
This strategy aims to equip students with the skills required by the modern labor market, ensuring their readiness for future professional opportunities.
iHub-Data Initiatives
iHub-Data, affiliated with IIIT Hyderabad, has been active in driving progress across data foundation, research and technology development, applied research, skill development, innovation, and international collaborations.
iHub-Data has developed effective training programs for undergraduate engineering students, focusing on modern machine learning concepts. Additionally, the hub has launched programs to mentor students through research projects and summer internships.
It is extending its educational training offerings and forming relationships with technical universities to offer specialized training programs. One prominent initiative is a five-month faculty development program approved by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), significantly enhancing technical skills among students in India.
IIIT Hyderabad's Machine Learning Research Programs
IIIT Hyderabad is a pioneer in high-quality machine learning research programs. The institute shares its expertise with other institutions to promote AIML research.
Initiatives have been launched to establish curricula and training methodologies for educational programs that optimize resources and improve undergraduate engineering students' skills in using AI/ML approaches and frameworks to create solutions.
These efforts are crucial for improving technical abilities among Indian students, allowing them to thrive in a fast-changing technological context.
Emerging Technology Institute
In March 2022, the Haryana state government announced plans to construct an institute focused on emerging technology.
This is one of the government initiatives in data science education in India, aims to provide comprehensive professional training in fields such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, big data analysis, 3D printing, and cryptography.
The government's objective is to equip young students with the skills needed to navigate future technological advancements effectively.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the government convened a conference with prominent consulting firms in Gurgaon to discuss the institute's conceptualization and structural framework.
This collaborative effort seeks to leverage industry experts' knowledge and insights to shape the institute in a way that meets the evolving demands of the technology world. The institute aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and technical growth.
University of Birmingham and Maharashtra Government Collaboration
In September 2024, the University of Birmingham formed a strategic partnership with the Maharashtra government to establish a dedicated research and innovation center focused on data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
This is one of the government initiatives in data science education in India, aims to create a robust ecosystem of joint research activities between the University of Birmingham and state-funded universities, with a focus on AI and data science.
The project also provides significant opportunities for PhD research, enhancing the academic landscape.
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and Rubiscape India MoU
In August 2023, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Prof R.M. Judith, signed an MoU with Rubiscape India for implementation of the policy outlined in NEP on SPPU campus.
This MoU shall encompass the development of an ‘Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning’ educational program, employability skills, innovation, and research.
SPPU through a collaboration with Rubiscape provides a Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning in a year program of AI-DS Application Lab in the Department of Technology.
This curriculum is meant to equip the students with the skills and information that can enable them to excel in the current complex sectors of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.
Moreover, SPPU has incorporated a novel software by the name Rubiscape Data Science Technology in the syllabi of the undergraduate and postgraduate levels providing all round training to both the students and the faculty members.
The strategic cooperation embraces such processes as research and development with the view to produce competitive and affordable products for the international markets. The proposed course was firmly administered this current academic year which did help in the progress of AI and machine learning both in teaching and learning innovation.
India is one of the countries at the frontline of the promotion of data science education and development of skills at the governmental level. Such actions are aimed at training students and professionals to succeed in modern constantly developing data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning industries.
These drives are meant to help tie partnerships between academic institutions, governmental agencies, and private corporations so that India always maintains a strong position in technological advancements and development.
