The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has widened the scope of its flagship initiative AI for All, rolling out a new phase designed to equip schoolteachers across the country with artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

Launched on September 8, 2025, by IIT Madras Director Professor V. Kamakoti in partnership with the institute’s Pravartak Technologies Foundation and the Ministry of Education’s SWAYAM Plus platform, the programme seeks to embed AI literacy into the school education ecosystem.

Until now, the initiative offered five courses — AI in Physics, AI in Chemistry, AI in Accounting, Cricket Analytics with AI, and AI/ML with Python. The expansion introduces a sixth, AI for Educators, tailored specifically for teachers from kindergarten to Class XII.

Each course runs between 25 and 45 hours, delivered free of cost, with optional certification available at a nominal fee through proctored tests. Registration remains open until October 10, 2025.

“Teachers are the frontline of this transformation,” said Professor Kamakoti. “By empowering them with AI tools, we not only reshape classrooms but also contribute to nation-building.”

Professor R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning) and SWAYAM Plus Coordinator, emphasized that no prior coding knowledge is required. “Basic digital literacy is enough. The courses are aligned with the National Credit Framework, employability-focused, and built on real-world datasets and case studies,” he noted.

The SWAYAM Plus platform currently hosts over 430 courses across 15 sectors, with more than 3.7 lakh learners enrolled. Many of these offerings are credit-aligned and peer-reviewed by IIT Madras faculty, reinforcing their academic rigour.

Inclusive education roundtable underlines accessibility

Coinciding with the launch, IIT Madras hosted an Inclusive Education Roundtable on September 1, 2025, where policymakers, educators, and technologists debated strategies to make digital learning accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities.

The discussions explored employability challenges, digital skilling needs, and models for inclusive learning. Delegates also toured the institute’s Centre of Excellence, witnessing assistive technologies developed under Professor Srinivasa Chakravarthy.

By extending AI learning opportunities beyond engineering streams to arts, commerce, and school education, IIT Madras is positioning itself at the forefront of democratizing technology. The move signals a decisive shift: from AI as a specialized field to AI as an essential tool in every classroom.

Teachers interested in joining the programme can register on the SWAYAM Plus portal or reach out via email at pmu-sp@swayam2.ac.in.