Bodhan AI Centre ‘NCPI of education’, says Dharmendra Pradhan; IIT Bombay, IIM Ranchi to open research hubs

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday launched the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras’ Bodhan AI Centre of Excellence at the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026. It was one of a host of announcements – new research centres, joint degrees and programmes – related to AI from IITs and Indian Institutes of Management.

IIT Bombay and Columbia University, United States, will jointly set up a "Columbia–IIT Bombay Centre of AI for Manufacturing,” with the goal of “building robust, scalable and human-centric AI systems for real-world manufacturing”, said a statement from IIT Bombay. The centre will harness the power of AI to support manufacturing across sectors, including semiconductors, robotics, industrial manufacturing, process industries including, pharmaceuticals, food processing, refining and petrochemical, construction and infrastructure development, as well as transport and logistics, said IIT Bombay.

The conclave also saw the launch of three major AI-related academic programmes in leading management institutes. IIM Ranchi announced the establishment of a Centre for Teaching with Artificial Intelligence.

IIM Jammu, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Bangkok, has launched a dual-degree MBA programme in AI and Business Analytics, aiming to prepare students for leadership roles at the intersection of technology and management.

IIM Lucknow launched new postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in Artificial Intelligence, including two Tech MBA programmes.

IIMs roll out AI Centres, courses

Additionally, the Minister highlighted the role of Bodhaan AI in developing the open-source Bharat EduAI Stack as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the education sector.

“This is the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for Education. It will serve as a common, interoperable platform that will help institutions, startups, and researchers build and scale AI-powered learning solutions across the country,” Pradhan said.

"Bodhan AI will provide AI-powered learning tools, support teachers, and help students, startups, and organisations build and scale AI-based solutions in schools, higher education, and skill development programs in India," he added.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the country to make India ready for artificial intelligence and stressed the need to develop and use AI in an ethical, responsible and inclusive manner,” Pradhan stated.

“India’s AI will be inclusive, connected and self-reliant, with a focus on using it in education to support teachers and students. It will help achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by strengthening AI capacity and building digital infrastructure,” he added.

“The Bharat Bodhan Conclave is launching the Bharat EduAI Stack, an open digital platform that provides AI learning in all Indian languages and enables startups to innovate in education,” said Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education.

“It is a ‘Library of Intelligence,’ and he urged commitment to S.A.F.E. AI—Secure, Accountable, Fair, and Empowering—for inclusive progress,” Majumdar added.

Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026

The Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, has brought together education leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to advance AI integration in India's education ecosystem.

The conclave will continue on February 13, 2026, with sessions focusing on digital public infrastructure, AI platforms, emerging technologies, skills, and higher education.

Artificial Intelligence will be introduced as a skill subject for students from Class 3 starting from the 2026–27 academic session.