The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the ambitious IndiaAI Mission, an initiative worth Rs 10,372 crore aimed at fostering artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation in India. As part of this mission, MeitY is inviting top 50 engineering institutes, including IITs, NITs, and other prestigious institutions, to nominate their best students for AI project fellowships. This significant move is set to bolster the country’s AI capabilities by supporting promising talent in the field.
Empowering AI Scholars with Financial Support
Under the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY has extended an invitation to the top 50 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)-ranked engineering colleges to nominate students who are currently undertaking projects in artificial intelligence. The mission targets both B.Tech and M.Tech students, offering substantial fellowships to support their research and project work in AI.
For B.Tech students, the ministry will provide a fellowship amount of Rs 1 lakh, distributed in three tranches. M.Tech students, on the other hand, will receive Rs 2 lakh, distributed in four tranches. This financial support is designed to supplement existing fellowships and cover the duration of their AI projects, ensuring that students can focus on practical applications of their theoretical knowledge.
Detailed Breakdown of the IndiaAI Mission Fellowship Distribution
The fellowship distribution for B.Tech students is as follows:
- First Tranche: Rs 50,000 will be transferred upon acceptance of the student’s nomination by IndiaAI.
- Second Tranche: Rs 25,000 will be awarded after the completion of the student’s seventh semester, provided they secure a minimum of 80 percent marks.
- Third Tranche: Rs 25,000 will be transferred after the submission of the AI project.
For M.Tech students, the fellowship distribution is structured as follows:
- First Tranche: Rs 50,000 will be transferred upon acceptance of the student’s nomination.
- Second Tranche: Rs 50,000 will be awarded after the completion of the first semester, with the requirement of maintaining a minimum of 80 percent marks.
- Third Tranche: Rs 50,000 will be awarded after the end of the second semester under the same academic conditions.
- Fourth Tranche: Rs 50,000 will be transferred after the submission of the AI project, ensuring that the student has maintained the 80 percent cutoff throughout.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
To be eligible for the fellowship:
- B.Tech students must have attained an overall 80 percent mark or equivalent grade in their last semester. (Institutions nominating students with slightly lower marks must provide a justification for their selection.)
- For M.Tech students, eligibility requires enrollment in postgraduate studies related to AI and the undertaking of a thesis on AI or related subjects.
Institutes are encouraged to nominate up to 10 students in each category (B.Tech and M.Tech) who are actively engaged in AI projects. This selection process aims to identify and support the most promising talent in AI, thereby fostering a skilled workforce capable of advancing India’s position in the global AI landscape.
IndiaAI FutureSkills Program: A Key Pillar of the Mission
The IndiaAI FutureSkills program is a critical component of the IndiaAI Mission. Featured prominently in the 100-day agenda of the IT ministry, this program is one of the seven pillars of the mission. It aims to promote AI education at undergraduate, masters, and PhD levels, thereby encouraging more students to pursue AI-related courses and careers.
According to Abhishek Singh, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission, this fellowship support will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. “This support is instrumental in ensuring a workforce proficient in the essential skills needed to progress in the field of AI,” he stated in a letter addressed to the participating engineering institutes.
Long-Term Impact on AI Education and Research
The IndiaAI Mission, backed by Rs 10,372 crore, is a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing AI talent in India. By offering fellowships to B.Tech and M.Tech students from top engineering institutes, MeitY is investing in the future of AI research and innovation. This mission not only supports individual scholars but also strengthens the nation’s AI capabilities, ensuring a brighter future for AI in India.
In conclusion, the IndiaAI Mission marks a significant step towards advancing AI research and education in India. With substantial financial support for promising AI scholars, the mission is poised to create a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and maintaining India’s competitive edge in the global AI arena.
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