Bihar’s classrooms go digital: 11 IT companies to train teachers in AI and technology

Bihar’s Education Department has partnered with 11 information technology (IT) companies, including Google Education, to train government school teachers in information technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative aims to strengthen teachers’ digital skills and improve the quality of classroom instruction.

The program is part of the state’s broader effort to expand technology-enabled learning in government schools. The Union government’s skill development department is also expected to support the initiative, according to the report.

Alongside the teacher training program, Bihar is planning to make computer education compulsory for students from Class 6 in all government schools starting with the next academic session. The plan is intended to introduce students to digital learning at an earlier stage of their education.

To support the proposed expansion, the Education Department plans to strengthen IT infrastructure and introduce smart classrooms in selected government schools. These measures are expected to complement teacher training by helping educators apply their newly acquired digital skills in classroom settings.

The department is developing a centralized training system at the campus of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The 11 participating IT companies will conduct training sessions for teachers in separate batches as part of the initiative.

School principals will nominate teachers to participate in the program. The training will include practical instruction in information technology, allowing educators to develop digital competencies that can be applied to everyday teaching and school activities.

Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the program would place particular emphasis on artificial intelligence training. Improving teaching quality is the initiative’s primary objective, with AI receiving dedicated attention as part of the broader effort to equip teachers with skills for technology-enabled education.

The state is also planning to establish smart classrooms in 700 model schools alongside the teacher training initiative. The facilities are expected to support the integration of technology into teaching and learning, complementing efforts to improve educators’ digital capabilities.

According to the plan, the smart classroom facilities could be extended to other government schools in phases after the initial rollout proves successful. This approach would allow the department to begin implementation in selected institutions before expanding the facilities across the wider government school system.

The combined initiatives reflect Bihar’s plans to strengthen digital education through teacher training, improved school infrastructure and the proposed introduction of compulsory computer education from Class 6.

The focus on IT and AI training is intended to help teachers incorporate technology into classroom instruction while preparing government schools for broader digital learning.