Odisha government will introduce ‘AI for All’ as a value-added course for students enrolled in the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) from the second semester of the 2026-27 academic session.
The new course will replace the existing Good Citizenship course and aims to equip students with basic knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and practical skills to improve their employability and prepare them for industry apprenticeships, an official said on Thursday.
Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mahapatra has directed the registrars and principals of the institutions concerned to make the necessary arrangements for implementing the course in the upcoming academic session.
The initiative is aimed at familiarising students with the fundamentals of AI and its practical applications, helping them adapt to the changing requirements of the modern workplace. With artificial intelligence increasingly influencing various industries, the course is expected to provide students with an opportunity to develop relevant skills alongside their regular academic studies.
The introduction of ‘AI for All’ also reflects the growing importance of technology-oriented learning in higher education. By incorporating AI-related knowledge into the degree programme, the state aims to help students become better prepared for emerging employment opportunities and industry requirements.
The Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme combines academic learning with practical industry exposure through apprenticeship opportunities. The addition of the AI course is expected to complement this approach by familiarising students with an evolving technological landscape.
Under the new arrangement, institutions offering the programme will need to take the required steps to ensure the course is implemented in the second semester of the 2026-27 academic session.
The move comes amid increasing emphasis on developing digital competencies and industry-relevant skills among students. The ‘AI for All’ course is intended to strengthen students’ understanding of artificial intelligence and help them build practical capabilities that can support their future academic and professional growth.
