IIT Kanpur and SCERT Uttar Pradesh Launch AI Training Programme for Government School Teachers

IIT Kanpur launches AI training for government school teachers in UP

To strengthen digital education and prepare students for a technology-driven future, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has launched a large-scale teacher training programme on Digital Literacy, Computational Thinking, Coding and Artificial Intelligence (DLCCAI).

Training for Teachers, Impact for Students

The initiative aims to train 750 science teachers from government schools, including PM SHRI Schools, upper primary schools, and composite schools across Uttar Pradesh. The training will be conducted through five-day intensive sessions at IIT Kanpur, followed by online mentoring and follow-ups to ensure continuity of learning.

Officials estimate that the program will indirectly benefit nearly 75 lakh students in Classes 6 to 8, making it one of the most extensive AI and digital literacy training initiatives for educators in the country.

Aligning with NEP 2020 Vision

The programme is designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes integrating coding, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy into school curricula. By equipping teachers with cutting-edge skills, the initiative seeks to transform classroom teaching methods and prepare students for careers in science, technology, and innovation.

A senior official from SCERT noted, “This programme will empower teachers to introduce modern pedagogy in classrooms and reduce the digital gap among government school students.”

Fostering Responsible Technology Use

Experts at IIT Kanpur highlighted that while the program focuses on advanced skills such as AI and coding, it also stresses the responsible use of technology, especially in rural areas where access to digital devices remains limited.

The long-term goal is to create a digitally skilled generation that can actively contribute to India’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Way Forward

With IIT Kanpur’s technical expertise and SCERT’s educational outreach, the programme is expected to serve as a model for other states looking to integrate artificial intelligence into school education.

As one IIT Kanpur faculty member remarked, “Empowering teachers is the first step towards empowering millions of students. This initiative will bridge learning gaps and prepare India’s youth for the future of work.”