In a historic move towards inclusive education, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) has announced the launch of online Bachelor of Science programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Electronic Systems in the Bengali language. This initiative marks a major step in breaking language barriers that have traditionally restricted rural and regional students from accessing advanced technical education.
For decades, higher education in India, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology, has been dominated by English. While this helped establish global academic standards, it also created challenges for students from rural backgrounds who completed their schooling in regional languages. Many bright students found themselves disadvantaged, not because of a lack of knowledge or talent, but due to their struggle with English proficiency. IIT-Kharagpur’s decision to provide courses in Bengali is set to change this narrative.
A Step Towards Equity in Education
The initiative aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the promotion of regional languages and making education accessible to every section of society. By offering high-demand subjects like AI and Data Science in Bengali, IIT-KGP is sending a powerful message: knowledge should not be restricted by language.
Officials at IIT-Kharagpur have explained that while technical terms may still remain in English due to their global usage, all lectures, explanations, notes, and assessments will be provided in Bengali. This will help students grasp concepts more easily while gradually building familiarity with international terminology.
Why AI and Data Science?
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are among the most sought-after fields in today’s job market. From healthcare and finance to agriculture and manufacturing, AI and data-driven solutions are reshaping industries worldwide. India, with its massive youth population, has a unique opportunity to become a global leader in these domains.
However, one of the barriers has been accessibility. Students from rural or regional backgrounds, even if talented, often hesitate to pursue such advanced fields due to a lack of confidence in English-based instruction. By introducing Bengali as a medium of instruction, IIT-Kharagpur is opening the doors of cutting-edge knowledge to thousands of such students.
How the Program Will Work
The courses will be delivered online through platforms like NPTEL and SWAYAM, ensuring accessibility across West Bengal and beyond. Students will have access to:
- Video lectures in Bengali
- Study materials and notes translated into Bengali
- Doubt-clearing sessions with bilingual faculty
- Regular assessments and projects in regional language
This format ensures that students can learn from their homes without the need to migrate to big cities, thus reducing financial and social barriers.
Impact on Students and Society
The introduction of Bengali-medium technical education could have a ripple effect across the region. First, it will encourage more students from rural Bengal to dream of careers in AI and Data Science. Second, it will empower first-generation learners who previously avoided technical courses due to language barriers. Third, it may inspire other IITs and universities to follow suit, expanding similar programs in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other regional languages.
The societal impact could also be significant. With AI and Data Science training accessible in Bengali, industries in eastern India may see a surge of skilled graduates ready to contribute locally, reducing brain drain to metropolitan hubs. This could strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem and create opportunities for startups and innovation centers.
While the initiative is groundbreaking, challenges remain. Translating complex technical content into Bengali without losing precision is a demanding task. Additionally, balancing bilingual education—ensuring students are comfortable with Bengali explanations while also familiar with global English terminology—will require continuous refinement. Faculty members will need training and additional resources to deliver high-quality instruction.
However, IIT-Kharagpur’s reputation as a pioneer in academic innovation makes it well-positioned to address these hurdles. The institute has already established collaborations with language experts and educational technology platforms to ensure smooth implementation.
A Model for the Future
The launch of Bengali-medium AI and Data Science programs could set a precedent for the rest of India. If successful, similar initiatives could spread to other states, transforming the way India approaches higher education. With more than 20 official languages, India has the potential to become a leader in multilingual technical education, empowering students in their mother tongue while preparing them for global opportunities.
This move by IIT-Kharagpur is not just about language—it is about equity, empowerment, and the democratization of knowledge. It reflects a vision where no student is left behind due to linguistic barriers, and where advanced education truly becomes accessible to all.
