From 2025, CSJMU will make AI and Cyber Security compulsory for all UG students, aiming to boost digital skills and align with NEP guidelines.
In a forward-thinking move that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University (CSJMU) in Kanpur is introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security as compulsory vocational courses for all undergraduate students starting from the 2025–26 academic session. This new policy will apply across BA, BSc, and BCom programs offered in the university’s affiliated colleges.
The initiative reflects a growing awareness of the urgent need for digital literacy and technical competence in an increasingly technology-driven world. According to Prof. Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi, Director of the College Development Council at CSJMU, this decision is part of the university’s broader mission to make students “future-ready” and employment-oriented, while keeping pace with the NEP’s emphasis on skill development.
What the New Curriculum Includes
Starting 2025, students will take AI in the first semester and Cyber Security in the third semester of their undergraduate programs. Both courses are designed to be vocational in nature and are aimed at enhancing students’ employability and digital awareness.
Each course will be worth 100 marks, split between internal and external evaluations. The internal assessment (40 marks) will include attendance and participation in online sessions, while external assessment (60 marks) will be conducted through formal written examinations. Importantly, the internal evaluation will be carried out by the university, ensuring standardized oversight and quality control.
Affordable, Online Delivery
The courses will be offered in online mode, making them accessible even to students in remote or rural areas. To cover the cost of instruction and course content, students will pay a nominal fee of Rs 500 per course. Of this, Rs 375 will go to the university for managing academic delivery and content, while Rs 125 will be shared with the respective colleges.
This low-cost structure ensures that technical education is not a privilege, but a standard part of every student’s undergraduate journey.
From Pilot to Policy
The move comes after a successful pilot run of these courses in partnership with IIT Kanpur, where they were offered as optional modules to students in the second and fourth semesters. The university received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and faculty, especially in terms of course relevance and practicality.
Given the rising demand for digital skills in all sectors, the university decided to make these courses mandatory for every student, regardless of their academic stream.
Aligning with NEP and Industry Needs
Under the National Education Policy, undergraduate students must complete at least four vocational courses totaling 12 credits over the course of their degree. By embedding AI and Cyber Security into the curriculum, CSJMU is taking a decisive step toward fulfilling NEP guidelines, while also preparing students to navigate the complex digital world.
“These are not just job skills,” said Prof. Dwivedi. “They are life skills. In today’s world, awareness about artificial intelligence and digital threats is as important as basic literacy. Our aim is to empower students to thrive in the modern workplace and digital society.”
Preparing Students for a Tech-Driven Future
With digital transformation sweeping across industries, the relevance of AI and Cyber Security is only growing. Whether it’s in banking, healthcare, business, or public service, knowledge of these domains is becoming essential. CSJMU’s decision is not just academic reform—it’s a step toward bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world expectations.
By embedding future-ready skills in the foundation of undergraduate learning, CSJMU is sending a clear message: every student deserves to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital era—regardless of their field of study.
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