The Bihar government has unveiled plans to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses across all 38 state government engineering colleges as part of its education reform agenda for 2026. This decision aims to equip aspiring engineers with future-ready tech skills and bolster employability in cutting-edge fields such as AI, machine learning and data analytics. Under this initiative, each participating college will receive financial support to develop AI infrastructure and laboratories, while students will be able to pursue AI-oriented coursework free of cost.
Funding and Institutional Support for AI Education
To implement the new AI courses effectively, the state government is allocating Rs 30 lakh per college for setting up dedicated AI labs and essential infrastructure. This funding is part of a broader partnership with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as well as collaborations with leading academic and technical institutions that will support curriculum development and faculty training. The effort reflects Bihar’s commitment to tech-driven education and aligns with wider initiatives to promote digital and AI skills among youth across the state. Alongside AI courses, similar new-age programmes such as Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity and data science are also being introduced in engineering institutions to broaden students’ technical capabilities.
What the AI Courses Will Offer?
The upcoming AI curriculum is expected to include foundational and advanced topics such as:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data analytics and big data tools
- Python programming for AI applications
- AI project lab work and real-world problem solving
These courses are designed to be hands-on and industry relevant, enabling students to build practical experience in areas increasingly demanded by employers across sectors such as IT, finance, healthcare and research.
Impact on Students and Employability
By introducing AI education at the undergraduate level, Bihar aims to significantly enhance job-ready skills among engineering graduates. Students enrolled in these courses will gain exposure to current technologies and methodologies that are critical for careers in software development, AI research, automation, and advanced analytics. This initiative also supports the larger goal of positioning Bihar as a technology-oriented education hub, encouraging innovation, and attracting investment opportunities in emerging tech fields.
Broader Education Reforms in Bihar
The AI course rollout is part of a broader education strategy in Bihar that includes improvements to scientific infrastructure, such as the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Science City and investment in technology education hubs. These reforms are envisaged to strengthen technical education at all levels and prepare students to compete in a rapidly evolving digital economy.