Lucknow: Chandigarh University (CU), recognized as India’s No. 1 private university, has unveiled plans for India’s first AI-enabled next-generation campus in Unnao, located in the Lucknow State Capital Region (SCR). This groundbreaking campus is designed to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century students by offering multidisciplinary AI-enhanced education.
Slated to commence operations in the 2025-26 academic session, the AI-augmented campus will provide 43 futuristic undergraduate and postgraduate programs in six key domains: engineering, business administration, health and life sciences, humanities, liberal arts, and legal studies. Uttar Pradesh’s government has already issued a formal Letter of Intent (LoI) for establishing this state-of-the-art institution.
A Milestone for Indian Education
The announcement was made during a press conference at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dignitaries present included Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Higher Education, Yogendra Upadhyay; Member of Parliament and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu; Capgemini’s Executive Vice President, Mukesh Jain; CU’s Pro-Chancellor, Professor Himani Sood; and CU’s Managing Director, Jay Inder Singh Sandhu.
Minister Yogendra Upadhyay launched Chandigarh University Lucknow’s official web portal and the prospectus for the 2025-26 academic session. During the event, he emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s transformative journey under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting its emergence as a key engine of national growth.
“Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a trillion-dollar economy within the next five years, with GDP expected to reach ₹32 lakh crore by March 2025,” said Upadhyay. “This economic acceleration is projected to generate 1.5 crore employment opportunities, doubling the state’s GDP and per capita income over the past seven years. The establishment of Chandigarh University’s AI-enabled campus aligns perfectly with the state’s vision of leveraging technology to empower its youth.”
An AI-Centric Vision for Uttar Pradesh
The Minister further noted that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly becoming a hub for higher education, with 16 new universities and over 250 colleges established in the past seven years, many in previously underserved regions. “Our goal is to have at least one university in every district,” he stated, thanking Chandigarh University’s leadership for contributing to this vision by choosing Unnao for their AI-enabled campus.
Highlighting the state’s ongoing initiatives, he remarked, “Uttar Pradesh’s AI City in Lucknow SCR, spread over 70 acres with a budget of ₹10,732 crore, will create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs within five years. Chandigarh University’s campus will complement this initiative, preparing skilled professionals equipped to harness the potential of AI technologies.”
AI’s Transformative Role in Education
Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University, echoed these sentiments, underscoring India’s leadership in AI innovation. “India was among the first countries to develop a comprehensive National AI Strategy, backed by the ‘India AI Mission’ with a budget of ₹10,371.92 crore,” he said. “Our Uttar Pradesh campus at AI City aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of equipping Indian youth with emerging technology skills, driving economic growth, and creating employment opportunities in the digital era.”
Sandhu highlighted Chandigarh University’s legacy of academic excellence, as recognized in the Asia University Rankings 2025, and its commitment to fostering innovation. “The establishment of our Uttar Pradesh campus marks a significant step in making world-class, affordable education accessible to students in this region. We are proud to be a part of Uttar Pradesh’s growth story.”
Scholarships and Research Investments
The new campus aims to democratize quality education by offering substantial scholarships and research grants. Under its Common Entrance Test (CUCET 2025), Chandigarh University has announced scholarships worth ₹40 crore and an additional ₹3 crore for scientific research through the CV Raman Scholarship program. This initiative seeks to nurture academic talent and drive innovation across disciplines.
Jay Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director of Chandigarh University, emphasized the institution’s commitment to holistic development. “Our curriculum integrates AI across disciplines, empowering students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. By 2030, India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) aims to reach 50% under the National Education Policy (NEP). Our campus in Uttar Pradesh will play a pivotal role in achieving this target,” he said.
Industry Endorsements
Capgemini’s Executive Vice President Mukesh Jain praised the initiative, calling it a “game-changer for Indian education.” He dismissed misconceptions about AI-induced job losses, highlighting its potential to create new opportunities. “India’s workforce is expected to grow from 42.37 crore in 2023 to 45.76 crore by 2028, with a net increase of 3.38 crore workers. AI will not only transform existing roles but also generate 27 lakh new jobs across 20 tech-related sectors by 2028,” Jain stated.
He further emphasized the importance of AI adoption in business and education. “Nearly 75% of Indian companies have already reported positive returns on AI investments. By integrating AI into education, we equip students with the skills necessary to excel in an AI-driven economy, preparing them to shape the future,” he said.
Revolutionizing Higher Education in India
The AI-enabled campus at Chandigarh University’s Uttar Pradesh facility represents a paradigm shift in Indian higher education. It aims to:
- Enhance Accessibility: Offering students in Uttar Pradesh access to cutting-edge education close to home.
- Foster Innovation: Promoting interdisciplinary research in AI and emerging technologies.
- Bridge Skill Gaps: Addressing workforce demands by equipping students with industry-relevant AI expertise.
- Drive Economic Growth: Supporting Uttar Pradesh’s vision of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.
Minister Yogendra Upadhyay summed up the initiative’s significance, stating, “Chandigarh University’s AI-enabled campus will catalyze Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into a hub for AI innovation, contributing to India’s global leadership in emerging technologies.”
As Uttar Pradesh continues its ascent as India’s next growth engine, initiatives like Chandigarh University’s AI-enabled campus are poised to play a transformative role, preparing the youth for a future defined by innovation, technology, and boundless opportunities.
