Bihar partners with 11 IT firms to train schoolteachers in AI
The state plans compulsory computer classes from Class VI and smart setups in 700 model schools alongside centralised educator training.
Bihar's education department has partnered with 11 information technology companies, including Google Education, to train government schoolteachers in artificial intelligence and digital teaching tools.
The training programme forms the backbone of a wider plan to modernise the state's classroom education, backed by assistance from the central government's skill development department. Alongside the educator workshops, the state plans to make computer education compulsory from Class VI across all government schools starting in the upcoming academic session.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwary said the administration has started phased preparations, giving explicit focus to practical AI tools that teachers can apply directly to daily lessons.
How the training will work
Instruction will be centralised at the State Council of Educational Research and Training campus in Patna. Partner tech firms will lead separate batches of educators through both theoretical instruction and hands-on computer work.
School principals will select and nominate teachers to attend the sessions, with officials working to have operational arrangements completed by January.
| Programme component | Target and rollout details |
|---|---|
| Partner technology firms | 11 companies, including Google Education |
| Initial school infrastructure | 700 model schools equipped with smart classrooms |
| Compulsory computer syllabus | From Class VI starting next academic session |
| Training headquarters | State Council of Educational Research and Training |
| Higher education reach | Faculty across state universities and constituent colleges |
Digital infrastructure in schools
To ensure teachers can actually use what they learn, the state is overhauling technical facilities on the ground. Smart classrooms will be installed first in 700 model schools before being expanded across other state institutions in scheduled phases.
The school-level push sits beside parallel technical initiatives across Bihar's higher education system. The state has already mandated artificial intelligence training for faculty members in state universities and constituent colleges.
Under that programme, which aligns with the University Grants Commission's Guru Dakshata faculty development initiative, university lecturers are learning to use AI platforms to design lecture outlines, assemble examination papers, evaluate answer sheets, and guide classroom discussions.
A senior education department official noted that while the initiatives mark a decisive step towards digital learning, sustained classroom impact will rest on consistent infrastructure upgrades and steady follow-up training for staff.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Partner IT firms | 11 | Bihar Education Department |
| Model schools getting smart classrooms | 700 | Bihar Education Department |
| Class level for mandatory computer studies | Class VI onwards | Bihar Education Department |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Bihar Education Department | State department spearheading the AI teacher training and compulsory computer education policy. |
