In a major step towards realising India's ambition to become a global AI powerhouse, Saras AI Institute – world's first AI-exclusive 100% online degree-granting higher education institute based in the US – has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT BHU).
This collaboration is a significant stride towards bridging the critical industry-education gap in AI, empowering the next generation of Indian innovators, and reinforcing the nation's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Signed by IIT BHU Director Amit Patra and Amit Kataria, COO and Co-Founder, Saras AI Institute, the MoU marks a strategic collaboration to deliver a curriculum that emphasises applied learning over theory.
IIT (BHU) Director Prof.Amit Patra said: “IIT BHU is committed to preparing our students for the technological frontiers that will define India's future. Our partnership with Saras marks a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge AI education across disciplines, ensuring that every student—regardless of their field—is equipped to contribute meaningfully to India's digital and economic transformation.
“The MoU marks a transformative milestone,” said Shailesh Kumar - Chief Student Success Officer - Saras AI Institute. “It paves the way for enriched student experiences and success, stronger student support and a future where every learner thrives holistically.”
Through this MoU, Saras will offer its foundational 8-week course, “Powers of AI”, as an open elective for IIT BHU students. Uniquely, this offering is not limited to computer science or circuit branches — it is open to all undergraduate students of all disciplines, ensuring that the transformative potential of AI reaches everyone, from engineering to humanities.
This course offers an entry point into the world of AI with no prior coding or math experience required. Designed in a project-based format, the programme introduces students to core AI domains, including machine learning, generative AI, deep learning and prompt engineering. Instead of traditional exams, students will develop real-world projects — building practical skills that prepare them for high-impact roles in the AI-driven future. It is designed to be a practical starting point for students who want to understand and participate in this space.
The course also aims to build a foundation in ethical and responsible use of AI—an area of growing importance as the technology becomes more integrated into business operations and everyday life.
Through this initiative, Saras reaffirms the institute’s commitment to nurturing India’s AI talent pool, critical for achieving the government’s ambitious target of creating one million AI professionals by 2026.
Furthering its vision, Saras and IIT BHU will also co-develop the innovative “AI Evaluator”, a cutting-edge AI-powered assessment tool. This will allow real-time student progress tracking, deliver deep learning insights and simplify evaluations — a crucial enabler for scaling quality education in a rapidly digitalising Bharat.
The MoU also lays the foundation for flexible learning pathways for students and establishes a credit exchange programme. This will enable all students across all disciplines to pursue a Minor in AI online, explore Associate Degree opportunities and earn industry-recognised AI certifications through Saras AI Institute’s digital campus.
The MoU also includes joint research opportunities, guest lectures AI hackathons, workshops and representation at IIT BHU-led academic and industry events.
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Saras emerges as a beacon of India's educational and technological aspirations. Its partnership with IIT BHU signals a new chapter — where the best of India's academia and its cutting-edge AI industry come together to script the next chapter of economic growth, technological leadership and digital sovereignty.
