To launch “Powers of AI”, a dynamic foundational course at IIT BHU that serves as an entry into the world of AI with no prior coding or math experience, will empower students with early exposure to future-shaping careers in AI
To co-develop “AI Evaluator”, an advanced AI-powered platform to transform student learning assessment with real-time insights, personalised feedback and data-driven analytics to support outcome-based education
Aligned with Govt’s “IndiaAI Mission” and “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision to democratise AI education
Key initiatives: To create more accessible pathways into high-demand fields, Saras’s digital campus offers flexible minor and associate degrees in AI; Joint research on AI-led solutions with shared faculty and student engagement and industry-recognised AI certification opportunities for IIT BHU students
New Delhi, April 30: 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.
Anil Singh, Founder and President of Saras who is a veteran leader with over 25 years of experience in organisational leadership, said: “At Saras, we believe that the future of a self-reliant and globally competitive India lies in the hands of our youth. Our collaboration with IIT BHU is not just about teaching artificial intelligence; it’s about empowering every student—across all disciplines—with the tools to shape India’s destiny in the AI era.
“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.
BOILERPLATE
Saras AI Institute, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the world’s first AI-exclusive, fully online, degree-granting higher education institution. Built for the future of work and the future of humanity, Saras delivers high-quality, radically affordable education in Artificial Intelligence and Human Skills through flexible and inclusive programmes. With a mission to transform lives through accessible, purpose-driven learning, Saras offers career-aligned Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in AI — designed by industry leaders, taught by expert faculty and supported by a global peer community and personalised 1:1 coaching. Its project-based approach replaces traditional exams with real-world outcomes, enabling students to graduate with job-ready portfolios in fields like machine learning, generative AI and data science. More than just technical training, Saras is committed to shaping ethical, compassionate leaders. Every course is rooted in the belief that “the world is one family”, combining rigorous AI education with the cultivation of integrity, empathy and social responsibility to help learners build a better, AI-powered world.
