The Ministry of Education joined hands with the chip-making giant Intel and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday to announce the launch of - 'AI for All' - an initiative that aims to create a basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all Indian citizens. 

Intel has launched a special, 4-hour-long self-paced learning module that explains AI, suitable for a novice audience in 11 Indian languages - be it a student, a middle-aged professional or even a senior citizen! The program (https://ai-for-all.in/#/home?ref=CBSE) aims to enable one million citizens to understand the basics of AI in its first year.

The 4-hour-course has two parts - AI awareness and AI appreciation. At the end of each stage, participants will be given personalised digital badges that can be shared on social media, the company said. 

The program is insync with NITI Aayog's National Strategy for AI, while places their plans on the philosophy ‘AI For All’ and focuses on leveraging the technology for inclusive growth and developing population-scale solutions for societal needs. Further, the country’s National Education Policy 2020 also emphasises preparing students for an AI driven economy.

“National Education Policy 2020 acknowledges the importance of AI and emphasises on preparing everyone for an AI driven economy. AI For All is one of the largest AI public awareness programmes worldwide and will help demystify AI in an inclusive manner strengthening India’s position as a global leader for emerging technologies,” said Dr Biswajit Saha, Director Skill Education and Training, Central Board of Secondary Education, Ministry of Education.

Intel is collaborating with governments and communities globally to build a digital-first mindset and expand access to the AI skills needed for current and future jobs.

“The initiative based on Intel’s AI For Citizens programme aims to make India AI-ready by building awareness and appreciation of AI among everyone. The programme further strengthens Intel’s commitment to collaborating with the Government of India to reach the full potential of AI and further the vision of a digitally-empowered India,” said Shweta Khurana, Director-APJ, Global Partnerships and Initiatives at Intel.