AICTE announces a Gen AI learning challenge exclusively for Women

In a significant initiative to empower women in the technology sector, the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has joined forces with South Asian Women in Tech (SAWiT) and GUVI to equip over 1.6 million women students from more than 8,200 technical colleges across India with Generative AI (Gen AI) skills. Scheduled for September 21, SAWiT.AI will host a women-only Gen AI learning challenge, aiming to train five lakh women. This nationwide initiative offers free, unrestricted online access, with the broader goal of equipping 10 million women with Gen AI skills, thereby enhancing their career prospects in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

AICTE, under the Department of Higher Education, is responsible for planning and maintaining standards in technical education across India. This collaboration is a strategic move to meet the growing demand for future-ready education by integrating Gen AI training into academic curricula. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and seeks to strengthen the skilling ecosystem through the National Credit Framework and the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC).

The AICTE-SAWiT.AI collaboration offers numerous benefits. Students will gain proficiency in Gen AI across six Indian languages and English, ensuring broad accessibility and inclusivity. Upon completing the 15-hour Gen AI course, which includes Python, students will earn one academic credit, enriching their academic experience. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to participate in the SAWiT hackathon in October 2024, where they can compete for recognition and prizes. Participants will also be invited to join the SAWiT network, fostering professional growth and entrepreneurship.

According to the official release, "This partnership is a pivotal step in democratizing access to AI education, promoting gender equality, and driving technological innovation. It positions India to capitalize on a $1.3 trillion GDP opportunity and improve its economic complexity index rankings."