A historic initiative to democratise AI education, foster responsible innovation, and position India at the forefront of global AI leadership
LUCKNOW: In a landmark step toward strengthening India’s leadership in artificial intelligence and technology-driven management education, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated IIM Lucknow’s new programmes on Artificial Intelligence during the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026. This pioneering initiative integrates advanced AI research, consultancy, and management education to nurture future-ready AI leaders.
Speaking at the launch event, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “We aim to make India a global leader in ethical AI. I commend business schools for leading the integration of AI into management education, innovation, and real-world societal applications. It will prepare students for an AI-driven future while ensuring technology serves human values and national development. With one of the world’s largest young workforces, India has a unique opportunity to build indigenous AI models and solutions for the world. Aspirational India must leverage Artificial Intelligence not only for economic growth but also for inclusive and socially meaningful progress.”
The Education Minister added, “AI must improve outcomes across sectors such as education, healthcare, and public services through responsible adoption of best practices and innovation delivery models. By encouraging institutions and young innovators to develop indigenous solutions and promote technological consciousness, India can build AI systems that respond to national needs while contributing meaningfully to global innovation.”
Speaking about the initiative, Prof. M. P. Gupta, Director, IIM Lucknow, remarked that the new programmes on Artificial Intelligence at IIM Lucknow seamlessly blend business acumen with technological depth through a “thoughtfully designed modular course curriculum”. IIM Lucknow, he said, aims to bridge the gap between technology innovation and commercially viable business models which will serve as a powerful catalyst in developing AI capacity and shaping India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
Building on IIM Lucknow’s legacy of excellence in management education, the launch of this programme integrates IIM Lucknow’s deep expertise across all management disciplines with AI and Business Analytics at its core. Three academic programmes will be launched successively by IIM Lucknow:
· BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics (4 years): To be launched in the academic year 2026-27; designed for higher secondary (10+2) graduates with a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced.
· Tech MBA (2 years): To be launched in the academic year 2027-28.
· Integrated B.S. + Tech MBA (5 years): For students enrolled in the B.S. (AI & BA) program at IIM Lucknow will have the option of pursuing an integrated B.S. + Tech MBA degree, completing both the degrees in 5 years.
With the launch of these programmes, IIM Lucknow hopes to accomplish three interlinked goals related to its mission and vision– individual excellence, national impact and global leadership. At the individual level, the programmes will equip students with the skills to integrate AI into core business functions, cultivating both digital leadership, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Collectively, the programmes advance India’s digital priorities – including ‘Digital India’ and the ‘IndiaAI Mission.’ By leveraging AI research for social good with this initiative , IIM Lucknow aspires to position India as a global thought leader in AI‑led management.
