OpenAI has partnered with leading Indian universities to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their academic programs. The initiative aims to equip over 100,000 students, faculty, and staff with AI skills over the next year.
The partnerships focus on making students AI-ready for a technology-driven economy. This involves embedding AI tools and training into core educational structures. The goal is campus-wide AI integration that emphasizes responsible use and academic integrity.
University Partnerships Announced
The first group of universities includes: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi (AIIMS New Delhi), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), and Pearl Academy.
Raghav Gupta, Head of Education, OpenAI India, stated that AI literacy is essential. He noted that by 2030, nearly 40% of core worker skills will change due to AI. He believes educational institutions are key to bridging the gap between AI tool capabilities and user understanding.
AI Integration and Access
These collaborations will provide enterprise-grade ChatGPT Edu access. They will also offer structured onboarding and guidance for integrating AI into specific academic disciplines. OpenAI will support this with responsible-use frameworks aligned with institutional policies.
AI fluency will become part of academic workflows. This includes advanced prompting, analytics, coding, simulations, case analysis, and AI-assisted research. OpenAI will also sponsor hackathons and industry events to connect campus innovation with businesses.
IIM Ahmedabad and MAHE will use OpenAI certifications. These will formalize structured AI capability pathways within business and multidisciplinary programs.
Specific Institutional Focus
IIT Delhi: The partnership will emphasize engineering-led innovation and advanced research. This includes potential campus-wide ChatGPT Edu access and faculty training. Generative AI tools will be integrated into applied problem-solving and systems design.
Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, stated, “We are delighted to partner with OpenAI to explore access to the latest ChatGPT Edu tools for our students, researchers and faculty.” He added, “This is part of IIT Delhi’s strategy to enhance partnerships with Sovereign and Global AI Companies.”
IIM Ahmedabad: AI fluency will be integrated across curricula for strategy, operations, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and public policy. Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, said, “As the world is looking at the century-defining opportunities that lie before us with AI, across every industry and economy, it is time that we brace ourselves by building a strong foundation for an exciting future.”
AIIMS New Delhi: OpenAI will explore AI applications in medical education and clinical training. A potential AI in Medical Education Hub is planned.
Prof M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, noted, “Through the proposed AI in Medical Education Hub, we aim to establish robust quality benchmarks, safety guardrails, and ethical standards.” He believes AI will strengthen clinical judgment and improve patient care.
MAHE: The focus will be on cross-disciplinary research and large-scale AI literacy. Lt. Gen Dr. M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, stated, “MAHE aspires to cement its role as a digitally transformed and AI-enabled pioneering higher education institution.”
UPES: AI will be deployed across engineering, business, design, law, and health sciences programs.
Pearl Academy: The collaboration will focus on AI in creative practices. This includes design development, branding, fashion technology, and digital media workflows, with emphasis on ethical use.
Broader AI Education Initiatives
Beyond universities, OpenAI is collaborating with ed-tech platforms like PhysicsWallah, upGrad, and HCL GUVI. These partnerships will launch structured AI courses focusing on fundamentals and practical ChatGPT applications for students and early-career professionals.