From cities to villages: IIT Guwahati’s ‘AIQ’ program brings AI, robotics, and IoT to schools

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has rolled out a new initiative to make artificial intelligence learning more inclusive for school students across India.

Partnering with edtech platform Get Set Learn (GSL), the institute has launched a program called “Artificial Intelligence Quotient,” or “AIQ,” designed to introduce AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to students from Classes 6 to 12, particularly those in rural areas.

Developed as part of IIT Guwahati’s “Project Vidhya,” the program aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping students with essential technology skills through a structured, step-by-step approach.

Officials said it was created after extensive consultation with teachers and technology experts to make AI learning practical and accessible.

“We often discuss AI at conferences in cities, but the real challenge is making it accessible to students in villages,” said Dr Gaurav Trivedi, Associate Professor at IIT Guwahati.

“This collaboration tries to focus on that gap. If we can build curiosity and give students the right exposure early, we can change the story for many rural learners,” Dr Trivedi added.

The AIQ program introduces students to AI concepts through interactive content, stories, and project-based learning instead of traditional lectures.

It uses a framework known as A3EI, Absorb, Analyze, Apply, Evaluate, and Innovate, encouraging hands-on exploration rather than rote memorization.

“We wanted to make sure that students can learn AI through simple examples and real-life use cases,” said Ameet Zaveri, Co-founder of Get Set Learn. “Technology should not feel distant. It should be something every child can relate to, whether in a metro city or a small town.”

Over 60% of the course involves project-based learning, where students apply AI principles to real-world problems such as monitoring environmental changes, improving local traffic systems, or addressing agricultural challenges.

The program is divided into three levels:

• Level 1 (Grades 6–8): Basics of AI and logic-building
• Level 2 (Grades 9–10): Robotics and generative AI modules
• Level 3 (Grades 11–12): Machine learning, data ethics, and responsible AI

Each level includes digital lessons, workshops, and mentorship from IIT Guwahati faculty. Students can also upload their projects to GSL’s “SOLVE IT” platform for feedback and guidance from experts.

Beyond technical learning, the curriculum emphasizes ethical awareness, including topics like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and responsible AI use.

“It’s not enough to teach children how to build machines. They must also understand what those machines can do to people,” said Dr Trivedi. “That awareness must start in school.”

To ensure rural participation, the program provides offline learning kits, mobile-based modules, and easy-to-use project materials for schools with limited connectivity or infrastructure.

“Rural areas remain the toughest frontier for digital learning,” said Zaveri. “We are working to make sure students there get the same exposure as those in urban classrooms. The goal is not just to teach AI but to build confidence and curiosity.”

The partnership aims to reach schools in at least 10 states within the first year through workshops and collaborations with state education departments and local NGOs.

The launch comes at a time when India is expanding its focus on technology education. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has declared 2025 as the “Year of AI,” while the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages early exposure to digital and computational learning.

Experts say initiatives like AIQ will help close the skill gap by familiarizing students with AI before they enter higher education or the workforce.

The program will roll out in the 2025–26 academic year, starting with Grade 6. Students who complete the course will receive a joint certificate from IIT Guwahati and GSL.

“The future workforce will not be defined by geography,” said Dr Trivedi. “If a child in a rural school learns how to use AI to solve local problems, that is real progress.”

IIT Guwahati and Get Set Learn plan to expand the initiative nationwide, developing a model adaptable for different classroom contexts.

Their vision is to make AI learning part of every student’s education journey, transforming technology from a privilege into a shared opportunity.