In a groundbreaking move, IIT Madras is empowering K-12 teachers across India with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses through its SWAYAM Plus platform. Launched in partnership with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, these free, online courses aim to equip educators with essential AI skills to revolutionize teaching, assessment, and student engagement. With a registration deadline of October 10, 2025, this initiative is set to redefine education by integrating technology into classrooms nationwide.
Key Points:
- Free AI courses for K-12 teachers via SWAYAM Plus.
- Designed to enhance teaching and student engagement.
- Registration open until October 10, 2025.
A New Course for Educators: AI for K-12 Teaching
The flagship offering, AI for Educators, is tailored specifically for kindergarten to Class 12 teachers. This course provides practical tools and knowledge to integrate AI into teaching methodologies, making lessons more interactive and effective. Beyond educators, the courses are accessible to learners from diverse fields like arts, science, and commerce, ensuring inclusivity in AI education.
Key Points:
- AI for Educators focuses on K-12 teaching applications.
- Suitable for teachers and aspiring educators from all backgrounds.
- Enhances teaching, assessment, and student engagement with AI tools.
Diverse AI Courses for Broader Learning
In addition to AI for Educators, IIT Madras offers a suite of AI courses catering to various interests, including AI in Physics, AI in Chemistry, AI in Accounting, Cricket Analytics with AI, and AI/ML using Python. These programs, ranging from 25 to 45 hours, are designed to make AI accessible to beginners and professionals alike, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
Key Points:
- Courses include AI in Physics, Chemistry, Accounting, and more.
- Duration of 25–45 hours, free of cost.
- Certification available for a nominal fee via proctored exams.
SWAYAM Plus: A Platform for Employment-Oriented Learning
SWAYAM Plus, an initiative under the Ministry of Education, is a robust platform hosting over 430 online courses across sectors like Engineering, BFSI, Hospitality, and IT/ITeS. With more than 3,70,000 learners registered, the platform offers credit-aligned courses vetted by IIT Madras experts, ensuring high-quality, employment-focused education.
Key Points:
- Hosts 430+ courses across 15+ sectors.
- Over 3,70,000 learners registered on SWAYAM Plus.
- Courses vetted by IIT Madras for quality and relevance.
Certification and Accessibility
The AI courses are free of cost, with an optional certification available for a nominal fee through proctored exams at designated centers. Teachers and learners can register via the SWAYAM Plus portal (swayam-plus.swayam2.ac.in/ai-for-all-courses) and seek clarifications by emailing pmu-sp@swayam2.ac.in. This accessibility ensures that educators from all regions can upskill and embrace AI-driven education.
Key Points:
- Free courses with optional certification for a nominal fee.
- Register by October 10, 2025, via SWAYAM Plus portal.
- Support available via email for queries and clarifications.
Leadership Vision: AI as a Catalyst for Nation-Building
At the launch event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in education. “Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of learning, and K-12 teachers play a vital role in bringing this change into classrooms. By equipping them with AI skills, we are not only strengthening education but also contributing to nation-building,” he said. This vision underscores the initiative’s role in preparing educators for a tech-driven future.
Key Points:
- AI seen as a game-changer for education.
- K-12 teachers pivotal in integrating AI into classrooms.
- Initiative aligns with nation-building through education.
