Gujarat: IITE Gandhinagar establishes seven new schools under NEP 2020
Gandhinagar, May 27
The Indian Institute of Teacher Education in Gandhinagar on Wednesday announced a major academic expansion under the National Education Policy-2020 by establishing seven new university schools and introducing a multidisciplinary academic structure that will allow students to study subjects beyond their traditional streams, including artificial intelligence and philosophy.
The institution, established in 2010, said the restructuring marked a significant step in its transition towards becoming a "University of National Importance" and adopting a multidisciplinary academic model in line with the NEP framework.
Announcing the development, IITE director Dr. Mehul Dave said the university would become the first institution in India dedicated to preparing educators in artificial intelligence. "IITE will become India's first university to prepare AI educators," Dr. Dave said.
He said the state government had sanctioned a grant of Rs 127 crore for new buildings and hostel facilities as part of the university's expansion plans.
According to the university, the revised academic structure has been designed to provide holistic education, strengthen skill-based learning, and encourage advanced interdisciplinary research.
Dr. Dave said the expansion also broadens the scope of teacher education beyond conventional classroom teaching.
The new framework includes not only government teachers but also mentors and professionals from fields such as computer education, gym and fitness training, theatre and coaching, as well as disciplines such as science, languages, social sciences, and physical education.
The university said the changes were introduced with ongoing transformations in global education systems and the increasing importance of interdisciplinary learning in mind.
The seven newly established schools are the School of Education in Sciences and Mathematics, the School of Education in Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Physical Education & Sports and Yoga, the School of Education in Performing Arts and Fine Arts, School of Education in Commerce, Management and Educational Leadership, School of Education in Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Areas, and School of Special Education.
Under the new academic model, subjects such as artificial intelligence, sports, arts, and management will be integrated with mainstream education programmes.
University officials said the structure would enable students to undertake interdisciplinary research using newer and more flexible academic approaches.
As part of the revised policy, students from science streams will also be allowed to choose optional subjects such as philosophy or artificial intelligence, according to their interests.
The university said the expansion would open new opportunities for PhD and advanced research in science and technology, the humanities, educational leadership, and the arts and sports.
It added that the restructuring was aimed at preparing educators and academic leaders with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills suited to evolving educational requirements.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, an institution that understands education isn't just about textbooks! The inclusion of performing arts, yoga, and sports alongside AI shows holistic thinking. But I hope they also focus on rural schools—many villages in Gujarat still lack basic teachers.
Great to see NEP 2020 being implemented in a practical way. I work in ed-tech in the US and this model of interdisciplinary learning is similar to what top universities here follow. India is finally catching up! Though I wonder about faculty availability for AI education...
First university in India to prepare AI educators? That's a bold claim! Kya baat hai! But I'm skeptical about implementation. We see many announcements but few results on ground. The real test will be in how many of these AI teachers actually get jobs in schools. ✌️
Impressive multidisciplinary approach. Coming from a science background, I wish I had the option to study philosophy or AI alongside physics. This will truly create well-rounded educators. Hope the government extends similar funding to other state universities too.
Interesting but I have a small concern: with 7 new schools, where will they find qualified faculty for niche subjects like AI and philosophy? Our current teacher education system already struggles with quality. Hope they have a solid recruitment plan. Otherwise, good initiative!
J James A