Patna: State govt is preparing to make artificial intelligence (AI) training mandatory for teachers of state universities and constituent colleges, equipping them to use the technology in classroom teaching, lecture planning, question-paper preparation and evaluation of answer sheets.The initiative, to be implemented under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Guru Dakshata faculty development programme before Nov, will mark a major expansion of faculty training beyond Patna University, where the programme has so far been primarily conducted.The Bihar State Higher Education Council (BSHEC) is finalising the training schedule, which will be circulated to universities for implementation. The move comes as the state prepares to introduce a comprehensive AI policy for its universities, signalling a push towards technology-assisted teaching and assessment.BSHEC vice-chairman N K Agrawal said the programme aims to improve teaching quality and promote academic excellence, professional ethics and human values in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “Faculty members will also be trained in the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) to help them adopt modern teaching methods and make classroom learning more interactive and efficient,” he said.The training is being extended to all universities and constituent colleges following directions from governor, who is also the chancellor of state universities. Separate programmes will be organised at the university and college levels.The proposed AI policy could have significant implications for academic administration, particularly in the preparation of question papers and evaluation of answer scripts. The use of AI in assessment will also require safeguards relating to accuracy, transparency, data privacy, academic integrity and human oversight.However, effective implementation will depend on adequate practical training for teachers and the availability of necessary infrastructure. The programme is expected to help universities modernise teaching practices and encourage teachers to use AI as a supporting tool without replacing professional judgement.
