IIT Kharagpur to Offer AI & Data Science Degree in Bengali, Expanding Access Through Regional Language Instruction

In a move that reflects the National Education Policy’s emphasis on linguistic inclusivity, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has announced that it will introduce a Bachelor of Science programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science delivered in Bengali from the 2026 academic session. The initiative seeks to dismantle language barriers that have historically limited participation in technical education, particularly for students more proficient in regional languages than in English.

The programme is expected to follow a flexible, technology-enabled learning model designed to widen access beyond the traditional entrance examination pipeline. By offering advanced computing and data science instruction in Bengali, the institute aims to create pathways for learners who possess analytical aptitude but remain constrained by linguistic disadvantage. The curriculum will cover core domains including machine learning, data analytics, and computational foundations, aligning with industry demand for data-driven skills.

Beyond pedagogy, the decision signals a structural shift in how elite technical institutions interpret accessibility and inclusion. Delivering cutting-edge STEM education in an Indian language not only broadens participation but also strengthens the intellectual ecosystem by enabling knowledge production in vernacular contexts. If implemented effectively, the programme could serve as a template for multilingual technical education across India’s higher education landscape.