Team siliconindia

• IIT Madras rolls out a national AI capacity-building program to equip public officials with practical skills for AI adoption
• Focus on responsible AI use, informed procurement, risk management, and effective governance frameworks
• Program supported by Google and Digital Futures Lab to strengthen trust, accountability, and policy readiness

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has launched a national training program to help government officials understand, deploy, and govern artificial intelligence systems responsibly. The initiative addresses the growing need for AI skills in public administration as technology becomes central to policymaking and service delivery.

The program is led by the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at IIT Madras’ Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It is being developed in partnership with Google and the Digital Futures Lab. The announcement was made at the Conclave on Strengthening Human Capital for the AI Era, held at the IIT Madras campus.

The training is designed specifically for public officials who are involved in procuring, implementing, and overseeing AI systems. It aims to close the knowledge gap between fast-moving AI tools and the government’s ability to regulate and use them effectively. The curriculum focuses on practical understanding rather than theory alone.

Participants will learn the basics of AI technologies, their real-world applications, and how they impact areas such as education, digital governance, and public service delivery. The program also covers how to evaluate AI solutions during procurement, assess scalability, and apply responsible AI principles aligned with India’s emerging policy frameworks.

Risk identification, system limitations, and governance challenges during real-world deployment form a core part of the coursework. The training will include case studies, workshops, and hands-on sessions to help officials assess their department’s AI readiness and plan practical adoption strategies.

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Leaders involved in the initiative emphasized that trust, inclusion, and accountability must guide AI use in governance. The program is seen as a long-term investment in strengthening government capacity and supporting India’s leadership in responsible AI, especially across the Global South.

The Conclave also serves as a lead-up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and brings together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society groups to align AI skilling with national digital priorities.