NDTV Education Conclave 2025: Experts Say AI Must Be the Foundation, Not Just a Subject

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer an optional topic—it is a transformational force redefining education worldwide. At the NDTV Education Conclave 2025, education leaders stressed that India must reimagine its curriculum from the ground up, embedding technology into the core of learning rather than treating it as an add-on.

AI is not just the future — it's the foundation. Experts at NDTV Education Conclave call for a complete curriculum overhaul to prepare India’s youth for a tech-driven world

Ratuldev Ghosh Choudhury, Advisor to GLA University, emphasized that the current curriculum in many Indian institutions is outdated and fails to align with the realities of a digital world. “You cannot avoid technology — right from curriculum design to its delivery and the environment in which it's implemented,” he said, warning that 47–48% of Indian graduates are not employable under present conditions.

Choudhury argued against incremental updates, advocating instead for foundational reforms. “The students we’re dealing with today have grown up digital — they’ve never experienced the analog world. Yet, we continue to feed them with outdated content. We must revamp the curriculum from scratch, embedding technology not just as a topic, but as an integral subject throughout.”

He also cited India’s lack of a robust research ecosystem compared to global leaders. “Top universities like MIT are far ahead because they included a strong research component early in their evolution. They’ve built ecosystems where practical learning and critical thinking are central.”

Pointing to cultural challenges, Choudhury added, “In India, failure is heavily stigmatized. But failure isn’t shameful — it’s a valuable learning opportunity. We must foster resilience and innovation by changing this mindset.”

Professor Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice Chancellor of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, echoed similar sentiments. He credited the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for helping bridge the long-standing gap between academic instruction and industry expectations.

“The industry wants job-ready graduates. Earlier there was a disconnect, but that gap is closing now,” said Professor Nanda. He pointed out that AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and robotics are now being incorporated across disciplines. “We’re embedding these subjects even in health sciences and engineering, so students feel confident entering the workforce.”

He emphasized the growing importance of undergraduate research and skills-based learning, saying, “Students should start contributing to research early. The job market rewards those who are constantly upskilling.”

Both experts agreed that India’s demographic dividend can only be harnessed through deep, systemic reforms driven by technology and innovation—not superficial tweaks.