Indian Universities Must Adapt to AI and Lifelong Learning

Ajay Prakash Srivastav, Chancellor of Maharishi University of Information Technology, called for a fundamental rethinking of higher education in India ^[1].

This shift is necessary because rapid technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence are disrupting the traditional pathway from earning a degree to securing a job ^[1]. As AI alters the labor market, universities must evolve to ensure students remain competitive on a global scale ^[2].

Speaking during the NDTV Education Conclave, Srivastav said that the current educational model must transition toward a focus on lifelong learning ^[1]. He said that the ability to continuously acquire new skills is more valuable than a static set of knowledge obtained during a few years of university ^[2].

Srivastav said that the rise of AI creates a landscape of uncertainty for graduates ^[1]. To mitigate this, he suggested that curricula should prioritize versatility, and the development of new skill sets that complement machine intelligence ^[2]. This approach aims to prepare students for roles that do not yet exist in the current economy ^[1].

The discussion highlighted that Indian higher education faces increasing pressure from global competition ^[2]. Srivastav said that universities must move beyond rote learning to foster a mindset of adaptability ^[1]. By integrating AI-driven skills into the core of the learning experience, institutions can better equip students to navigate an unpredictable professional future ^[2].

This transformation requires a systemic change in how success is measured in academia ^[1]. Rather than focusing solely on degree completion, Srivastav said the goal should be the cultivation of a learner who can evolve alongside technology ^[2].