Studying artificial intelligence in India is no longer a niche pursuit. India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology estimates that the country will require more than one million skilled artificial intelligence professionals by 2026. These roles will span technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and public services. Globally, PwC projects that artificial intelligence could contribute up to US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Universal Ai University’s founders conceived the institution around this shift, positioning it as India’s first-ever AI-focused university.
Studying artificial intelligence in India from the ground up
Most universities worldwide introduce courses or specialised tracks to meet the growing demand for an AI education. Instead, Universal Ai University takes a different route for students seeking to study artificial intelligence in India. Its academic structure embeds the discipline from the start, rather than adding it later as a specialisation. Consequently, this approach shapes both curriculum and classroom practice across disciplines.
Beginning in the first year, students complete Universal Ai University’s Super 6 AI Foundations, a structured suite of AI-embedded modules designed to build strong technical and analytical capability. As a result, these modules ensure that students understand how it influences decision-making, ethics, analytics, entrepreneurship and real-world business contexts early in their academic journey. The focus extends beyond technical tools to developing critical and responsible thinkers.
Modules of the Super 6 AI Foundations
- Fundamentals of AI & Business Statistics
- AI Ethics and Governance
- AI Programming with Python
- AI Tools & Prompt Engineering
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities with AI
- Business Analytics with AI
Exploring cross-disciplinary learning in artificial intelligence education
Modern workplaces no longer operate in silos. Engineers, managers and designers increasingly work with the same data, tools and technologies, making cross-disciplinary understanding essential. For students studying artificial intelligence in India, this requires learning how AI functions across roles rather than within a single domain. Universal Ai University structures its programmes to reflect this shift.
Students engage with artificial intelligence alongside business, leadership, creativity and design, enabling them to understand how AI informs decision-making and problem-solving across contexts. Therefore, this approach positions technology as an enabler of collaboration rather than a standalone technical skill.
At Universal Ai University, experiential learning mirrors professional environments. Students participate in CMAPS, Collaborative Multi-disciplinary Approach towards Problem Solving; SMART, Societal Management Aptitude & Responsibility Temperament; and consulting-oriented work such as CAP, Consulting Aptitude Project. They also gain applied simulation exposure, including trading practice in Asia’s first Thomson Reuters 24×7 Trading Room.
Industry partnerships for those studying artificial intelligence in India
Universal Ai University also reinforces this academic model through industry collaboration. Its partnership with LTIMindtree, a leading Indian information technology services company, supports the co-development and delivery of the B.Tech artificial intelligence curriculum, aligning classroom learning with industry practice. Students gain exposure to how AI operates across sectors.
Consulting programmes from Univitt Technologies further strengthen this model. The company works with organisations on real-world AI projects with global companies such as Spotify, Forbes, Tata Chemicals, Turner and KPMG.
As a result, students approach artificial intelligence from multiple perspectives. A management student may examine predictive analytics for strategy, while a design student applies generative AI to user experience. By connecting disciplines, the university prepares graduates who can link technical capability with human insight, a defining requirement for those studying artificial intelligence in India today.
Studying artificial intelligence in India through real-world learning
At Universal Ai University, programmes integrate project-based learning, startup exposure and industry engagement into the academic experience. For students studying artificial intelligence in India, this model reflects how AI functions across organisations rather than as an isolated academic subject.
Additionally, students engage with the university’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab, where they develop ideas, build prototypes and pitch ventures. Internships, mentorships and live industry projects reinforce applied learning. The university designs nearly 80 percent of its programmes around experiential learning, enabling students to connect academic theory with real-world application.
Furthermore, entrepreneurial thinking is embedded across the curriculum. Students test ideas, refine solutions and learn through iteration, mirroring innovation-led environments. International partnerships with institutions in the US and Europe broaden exposure through exchange programmes, global immersion experiences and cross-border projects.
Moreover, students interact with global leaders and learn from faculty who bring decades of industry experience into the classroom. They are encouraged to think entrepreneurially, even if they pursue corporate careers.
Universal Ai University is the only university led by a Global CEO and endorsed by 60 Global CEOs, including leaders from organisations such as General Electric and JPMorgan. This leadership structure is reflected in its Board of Governance, known as “The 60 CEOs & Senate.” Its global perspective is further strengthened by Founding Vice Chancellor Dr Simon Mak, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the first American and foreign national to serve as Vice Chancellor in India.
These experiences for those studying artificial intelligence in India translate into measurable outcomes. Teams at Universal Ai University have won national and international hackathons, secured prize funding at Indian competitions and global events hosted by Harvard University and Duke University, and obtained paid internships in the US.
How campus infrastructure supports students studying artificial intelligence
The learning environment shapes how students engage with complex disciplines such as artificial intelligence. Universal Ai University’s Karjat campus is located about one hour from Mumbai. It supports collaboration, experimentation and applied learning, all central to studying artificial intelligence in India today.
In particular, the campus features high-performance artificial intelligence labs, a simulated quantum computing lab, and AR, VR and MR innovation spaces. Design-led classrooms encourage teamwork and project-based learning, enabling students to test ideas, analyse data and apply concepts beyond theoretical instruction.
Additionally, infrastructure is complemented by comprehensive student support. The campus offers 24×7 security coverage with CCTV, on-campus medical and wellness facilities, and fully air-conditioned residential accommodation. Food services are provided by Sodexo, including a separate Jain kitchen.
Student life extends beyond academics. Cultural festivals such as Rush4Rush and a wide range of sporting opportunities contribute to a balanced university experience. These include indoor and outdoor sports, trekking, mountain biking, a fully equipped gymnasium and American football. Students also engage with HawkAi, the university mascot unveiled by Padma Bhushan Shri Gulzar Sahab. Inspired by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, HawkAi symbolises heightened awareness and the values of freedom, courage, self-reliance and nobility.
Sustainability informs campus planning. Eco-conscious architecture and responsible practices operate alongside advanced technical infrastructure. This integrated approach balances technological capability with long-term responsibility, reinforcing the university’s commitment to students studying artificial intelligence in India.
Leadership rooted in academic and industry experience
Leadership plays a defining role in shaping emerging disciplines within higher education. For students studying artificial intelligence in India, institutional leadership determines whether academic depth is sustained alongside real-world relevance over time.
At Universal Ai University, leadership combines academic direction with industry experience. Founder and Chancellor Tarun Anand brings decades of experience across corporate and educational environments. He integrates ethics, leadership and technology into a cohesive academic framework. This ensures students develop both technical capability and decision-making maturity.
Vice Chancellor Dr Simon Mak supports this vision, contributing an international academic perspective that strengthens the university’s global outlook. Similarly, faculty recruitment reflects this leadership philosophy. The university draws professionals from leading global institutions and industries. They combine theoretical grounding with practical insight. For those studying artificial intelligence in India, this approach ensures consistent exposure to both academic rigour and applied perspectives.
The Entrepreneurship Centre of Excellence reinforces the university’s direction through a globally benchmarked, US-style framework that fosters innovation-led entrepreneurship. Aligned with international best practices, it reflects the university’s commitment to global standards. It also supports India’s entrepreneurial ambition. As a result, students and innovators can build ventures that are globally competitive and locally impactful.
Notably, Universal Ai University is also the first Indian higher education institution invited by the Government of Qatar to serve as a knowledge and education partner in artificial intelligence, reflecting international recognition of its academic direction.
Key takeaway
As artificial intelligence continues to influence decision-making and workplace structures, students must make choices that allow them to adapt responsibly. Studying artificial intelligence in India involves thinking beyond tools and techniques. Instead, it requires judgment, accountability and long-term impact. Institutions such as Universal Ai University reflect this shift by positioning AI within a broader educational context rather than as a narrow specialisation. Ultimately, what matters is not predicting change. Rather, it is preparing to respond with clarity and responsibility.
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About Universal Ai University:
Located in Karjat, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Universal Ai University is India’s first dedicated AI-focused university. Its mission is to bring together technology, business, and leadership education. It offers interdisciplinary programmes designed for tomorrow’s industries.
For information on admissions and recruitment, visit their website. You may also contact Vani Khanna, Head of Undergraduate Admissions, via email at vani@universalai.in or by phone at 7838500178.
For assistance with applications, contact The Red Pen Undergraduate Admissions Team.
