Several colleges and universities are introducing courses in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which are fast emerging as the most sought-after disciplines, said heads of the institutions.

Ramakrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur, has decided to introduce an MSc course in AI and data science from the 2024-25 academic year.

The academic council of the college decided to introduce the postgraduate programme in AI and data science on Tuesday.

“The college will introduce an MSc in AI and data science. There was a demand to open these new-age courses. The students will be admitted based on an admission test,” principal Swami Ekachittananda told The Telegraph.

The college will hold an industry-academia interface on July 13 to learn from the experts from the industry about what should constitute the course content, he said.

The college in Narendrapur is setting up an AI laboratory for ₹50 lakh.

St Xavier’s University has decided to introduce BTech programmes in two areas — AI and machine learning and computer science and
engineering next year.

Father Felix Raj, the vice-chancellor of St Xavier’s University, New Town, said they would admit students to the four-year BTech programme in AI and machine learning and computer science and engineering based on the performance in the state the joint entrance examinations.

“AI and machine learning are emerging areas. Education institutions must adapt to the signs of the time. We have the infrastructure and competent faculty. We are also introducing LMS (learning management system) this year,” Father Felix Raj told The Telegraph.

Father Dominic Savio, the principal of St Xavier’s College, said they would launch a BSc course in data science next year.

Father Savio said: “The college will introduce BSc in data science from next academic year. The college introduced a paper on AI in July that will be studied by all students.”

“We also plan to open a BSc course in AI,” he said.

According to an official of the state education department, introduction of such new-age tech courses will help the institutions attract bright students.