The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has launched the AIKosh University Engagement Programme, a nationwide initiative to introduce students and academic institutions to India’s national artificial intelligence infrastructure. The programme began at the National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh on October 5, 2026, with plans to expand to other colleges and universities across the country.
The AIKosh platform, created under the IndiaAI Mission, is a centralized repository of datasets, AI models, tools and other resources for researchers, developers and students to build artificial intelligence solutions. Through this university programme, the government aims to democratize access to these resources, build AI awareness among young people, and encourage them to develop practical applications for public problems.
Key facts
- 160+ students from NIT Andhra Pradesh participated in the first engagement programme
- AIKosh currently hosts 16,000+ datasets, 350+ AI models and 200+ use cases
- IndiaAI Mission was approved by the Government of India in March 2024
- Programme includes expert sessions, live demonstrations and hands-on activities
- Students can access AIKosh through MCP (Model Context Protocol) and SDK (Software Development Kit) tools
What is the AIKosh University Engagement Programme
The AIKosh University Engagement Programme is designed to bring India’s national AI infrastructure directly to college and university campuses. Rather than requiring students to search for data and models independently, the programme introduces them to centralized resources that researchers and developers across the country are already using for AI projects.
At each participating institution, students attend workshops where they learn how to use AIKosh platforms, explore available datasets and models, and understand how these tools work in real applications. The sessions include expert presentations and practical demonstrations so students can immediately start exploring the resources.
How students can participate and contribute
Students participating in the programme are encouraged to go beyond simply learning to use AIKosh. They can contribute their own datasets through the platform’s open-source community and through their institute’s official profile on AIKosh. They may also work to improve existing datasets or develop proof-of-concept AI applications that address real-world problems in areas like healthcare, agriculture, education or public services.
Outstanding student contributions may receive recognition and could lead to further opportunities in AI innovation and development. This creates a pathway where students progress from learning the basics of AI tools to solving actual problems through technology.
What AIKosh contains and how it works
AIKosh functions as a unified platform where users can discover datasets and AI models using simple language-based searches, without needing advanced technical skills. The platform currently contains over 16,000 datasets, more than 350 AI models, and 200+ documented use cases showing how these resources have been applied to solve problems.
The platform provides two main tools for access: the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Software Development Kit (SDK). These allow both experienced developers and beginners to search for and use national AI resources, removing barriers that typically prevent people from accessing sophisticated technology.
Connection to the broader IndiaAI Mission
The university engagement programme is part of the larger IndiaAI Mission, approved by the Government in March 2024. The mission aims to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence by fostering innovation, developing responsible AI practices, strengthening domestic AI capabilities, and ensuring that AI benefits reach all sections of society.
AIKosh serves as a key pillar of this mission, providing the infrastructure and resources needed to support research and AI application development across academic and commercial sectors.
What this means for students and institutions
For students, the programme offers direct access to professional-grade AI tools and datasets without cost barriers. This allows those from any academic background to experiment with real data and build portfolio projects that demonstrate AI skills to employers.
For colleges and universities, participation builds institutional capacity in AI education and creates connections between campuses and national innovation efforts. Faculty and students gain opportunities to contribute to recognized national platforms, potentially leading to published work and greater visibility for their research.
What happens next
The AIKosh University Engagement Programme will continue to expand to other educational institutions across the country. Participating students are expected to engage with the platform and potentially submit contributions. The government has indicated that outstanding student work may receive recognition and lead to further opportunities in AI development and innovation.