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PMRC scheme launched: The government has introduced the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) initiative to attract leading Indian-origin researchers working abroad in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and quantum computing.

More than funding needed: Experts say world-class research infrastructure, advanced computing resources and ambitious national missions will be crucial to persuade global talent to return.

A chance to boost India's AI ambitions: Analysts believe the programme could help India move from being primarily an AI consumer to becoming a creator of cutting-edge technologies.

India has unveiled the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme, a major initiative aimed at bringing back accomplished Indian-origin scientists, technologists and researchers from across the world. The programme focuses on critical emerging sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing and other frontier technologies.

Under the scheme, selected researchers will receive research grants, institutional support and access to infrastructure through premier universities and national laboratories. The move reflects India's growing ambition to strengthen its position in global technology and innovation ecosystems.

Why attracting AI talent matters

The launch comes at a time when countries around the world are competing fiercely for top AI talent. While India has emerged as a major hub for AI adoption and digital innovation, experts argue that the country still lags behind in frontier AI research and the development of foundational models.

According to industry observers, financial incentives alone may not be enough to attract globally recognised researchers. Scientists often prioritise opportunities to work on transformative problems, access state-of-the-art computing facilities and collaborate with leading research institutions.

Challenges India must address

Experts highlight several factors that will determine the success of the PMRC initiative:

• Availability of high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced GPUs.
• Stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government laboratories.
• Competitive compensation and research funding.
• Opportunities to lead globally significant scientific projects.
• Long-term institutional support for breakthrough research.

A significant challenge remains the salary gap between India and major technology hubs such as the United States, where AI researchers often command substantially higher compensation packages.

A push for 'moonshot' projects

Technology experts suggest that India should complement PMRC with ambitious national research missions, similar to landmark global projects such as space exploration programmes and large-scale scientific collaborations.

They argue that top researchers are drawn not only by resources but also by the opportunity to contribute to projects that can reshape industries and influence the future of technology.

Can PMRC become a turning point?

India has previously demonstrated its ability to execute large-scale technology initiatives through programmes such as Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Supporters of the PMRC scheme believe a similar mission-driven approach could help create a globally competitive AI research ecosystem.

However, experts caution that the programme's success will depend on whether India can provide not just funding, but also the infrastructure, academic freedom, industry partnerships and ambitious research opportunities needed to attract and retain world-class talent.

If implemented effectively, PMRC could become a significant step towards positioning India as a leader in next-generation technologies rather than merely a user of innovations developed elsewhere.

The IIRF Engineering Rankings 2026 have once again highlighted the dominance of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India's engineering education landscape. Known for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strong placement records, these institutions continue to attract the country's brightest engineering aspirants.

As students prepare for competitive entrance examinations such as JEE Advanced, the rankings offer valuable insights into the top government engineering colleges shaping India's future workforce in technology, research, and innovation.

Top 5 Government Engineering Colleges in India: IIRF Engineering Rankings 2026

1. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Maharashtra

Claiming the top position, IIT Bombay continues to be one of India's most sought-after engineering institutions. Renowned for its world-class faculty, advanced research facilities, and exceptional placement outcomes, the institute maintains strong partnerships with leading global companies. Its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes attract students from across the country and abroad.

2. Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu

IIT Madras has consistently ranked among India's premier engineering institutes. The institute is widely recognised for its research-driven ecosystem, innovation culture, and thriving startup incubator. Its focus on interdisciplinary learning and industry collaboration has strengthened its reputation as a centre for technological advancement.

3. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi

Located in the national capital, IIT Delhi is known for its strong academic programmes and vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem. The institute has established extensive industry collaborations and consistently records excellent placement outcomes. Its research initiatives and innovation centres have contributed significantly to India's technology sector.

4. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal

Founded in 1951, IIT Kharagpur holds the distinction of being India's first IIT. Spread across one of the largest educational campuses in the country, the institute offers a wide range of engineering disciplines and is highly regarded for its contributions to research, innovation, and technological development.

5. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

IIT Kanpur has earned a reputation for academic rigour and excellence in scientific research. The institute's strong focus on innovation, advanced laboratories, and interdisciplinary studies has made it a preferred destination for aspiring engineers. Graduates from IIT Kanpur remain among the most sought-after professionals in both Indian and international job markets.

Engineering Education Driving India's Growth

Experts believe that premier institutions such as the IITs will play a critical role in supporting India's vision of becoming a global hub for technology, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced research. Through innovation-led education and industry-focused learning, these institutes continue to produce engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers who contribute significantly to national development and global technological progress.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform education worldwide, more than 80 teachers and education professionals from across Southeast Europe gathered in Sarajevo to discuss how emerging technologies can be integrated into classrooms while preserving human values, educational integrity and learner well-being.

The regional conference, “AI and Education – Challenges and Perspectives,” was held from May 7 to 10, 2026, bringing together educators from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia.

The event was organised by the Catholic School Centre Saint Joseph with support from UNESCO, UNICEF, the French Institute and the Croatian Cultural Society Napredak.

Addressing Opportunities and Challenges

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how people learn, teach and access information. While AI offers new opportunities for personalised learning, improved educational resources and administrative efficiency, it also raises concerns related to ethics, privacy, data protection and academic integrity.

Against this backdrop, the conference provided a platform for educators to critically examine the opportunities and risks associated with AI-driven education.

Over four days, participants engaged in discussions on:

• Ethical use of artificial intelligence
• Data privacy and protection
• Responsible integration of digital technologies
• Safeguarding learner well-being
• Maintaining educational integrity in AI-enabled environments

Practical Training for Educators

In addition to policy discussions, the conference featured interactive workshops where participants gained hands-on experience using AI tools and explored practical ways to apply them in educational settings.

The workshops focused on ensuring that AI enhances teaching and learning rather than replacing the human elements that remain central to education.

Educators also exchanged experiences and best practices, helping build a regional network of professionals navigating similar technological transitions.

UNESCO Resources Launched in Local Languages

A major outcome of the conference was the launch of UNESCO's global AI-in-education resources in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and Montenegrin.

Making these materials available in local languages is expected to improve accessibility and support wider adoption across schools and educational institutions in the region. The translated resources provide educators with practical guidance on using AI responsibly while aligning technological innovation with educational goals.

Building Resilient and Inclusive Education Systems

The conference contributed to broader efforts to . that are resilient, inclusive and prepared for a rapidly evolving digital future. Participants emphasized that successful AI integration requires not only technological readiness but also strong ethical frameworks and continuous professional development for teachers.

Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI supports critical thinking, creativity and meaningful learning experiences rather than simply automating educational processes.

Teachers Remain Central to Learning

A recurring theme throughout the event was that while artificial intelligence can become a powerful educational ally, teachers remain indispensable. Educators play a crucial role in interpreting information, fostering human connection, nurturing values and guiding students through complex learning journeys.

The conference concluded with a clear message: the future of education is not merely about adapting to new technologies, but about shaping their development and use in ways that uphold human dignity, promote inclusion and expand opportunities for learners.

As AI continues to evolve, educators will remain at the heart of ensuring that technology serves education—not the other way around.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday urged young people to continuously upgrade their skills and embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), saying that while technological advancements may disrupt some traditional jobs, they will also create new employment opportunities.

Addressing a Mega Job Fair organised by the Goa government in Panaji, Sawant encouraged youth to view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat.

"In the 21st century and the era of AI, some jobs may be affected, but people must learn AI and adapt to new opportunities. We have to continue learning and upgrading ourselves," he said.

The chief minister advised job seekers not to rely solely on government employment and instead explore opportunities across the private sector, where industries are increasingly seeking candidates with specialised and industry-relevant skills.

More than 150 companies participated in the job fair, collectively offering over 5,000 vacancies across sectors such as aviation, healthcare, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, automobiles, construction, information technology, telecommunications, banking, financial services, electronics and e-commerce.

According to Sawant, over 10,000 youth had registered for the event, with around 1,500 candidates attending interviews by Sunday afternoon. He said the remaining participants were expected to visit the fair throughout the day.

Highlighting the changing nature of the job market, the chief minister noted that most vacancies on offer were white-collar positions requiring specialised competencies. He encouraged young people to pursue short-term certification programmes and additional qualifications to improve their employability.

"We should take up short-term courses or upgrade our educational qualifications to avail of new employment opportunities," he said.

Sawant also highlighted the state's ongoing efforts to support employment generation and workforce development. He said the Goa government has organised 12 job fairs so far, helping more than 2,000 young people secure jobs. Additionally, the placement centre operated by the Labour and Employment Department has facilitated employment for over 800 candidates.

The remarks come amid growing discussions on the impact of AI and automation on the workforce, with policymakers increasingly emphasising lifelong learning and skill development as key to future employment.

New interdisciplinary engineering course aims to equip JEE Advanced qualifiers with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence, automation, smart mobility and sustainable innovation.

The Indian Institute of Technology Jammu has launched a new undergraduate programme, BTech in Unified Engineering, aimed at preparing students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics and interdisciplinary innovation.

The four-year programme, open to JEE Advanced-qualified candidates, marks a departure from conventional engineering education by moving beyond traditional departmental silos. According to the institute, the curriculum has been designed to help students develop expertise across multiple engineering domains and tackle complex real-world challenges through an integrated learning approach.

The launch comes at a time when industries increasingly seek engineers capable of working at the intersection of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, smart mobility, automation and sustainable systems. Rather than focusing on a single branch of engineering, the programme encourages students to connect concepts from different disciplines and apply them to practical problem-solving.

IIT Jammu said the course follows a “learning by doing” philosophy, with a strong emphasis on hands-on projects, innovation-driven learning and experiential education. Students will engage with real-world engineering challenges, enabling them to develop technical adaptability and systems-thinking skills required in emerging technology sectors.

Explaining the vision behind the programme, Dr. Navneet Kumar, Programme Chair of Unified Engineering, said the initiative was created to make engineering education more dynamic and relevant to future industry needs. He noted that the programme seeks to nurture innovation, adaptability and leadership among students entering the next generation of technological careers.

The institute has also highlighted the programme’s strong industry orientation. Students will have access to IIT Jammu’s placement ecosystem and its upcoming innovation park, providing opportunities for internships, research collaborations, startup engagement and industry exposure.

Leading companies associated with the institute’s placement network include Amazon, Samsung, Intel, Siemens, IBM, Dell Technologies and Nokia, among others.

Graduates of the Unified Engineering programme are expected to be well-positioned for emerging careers as systems engineers, AI specialists, automation professionals, product development engineers and technology innovators, reflecting the growing demand for multidisciplinary talent in the global economy.

As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces and hybrid work models continue to redefine organizational structures, human resource leaders are increasingly finding themselves at the centre of strategic business decisions. Industry experts believe that while technology is changing how work is performed, the skills that will matter most in the coming decade are distinctly human—empathy, creativity, emotional intelligence and trust.

Speaking to Economic Times Digital, HR strategist and founder of Jijivisha HR Solutions, Kanak Kiran, said the future of work is no longer a distant concept but a reality already shaping organizations worldwide. Distributed teams, AI-assisted workflows and employees seeking greater flexibility and purpose are changing traditional workplace dynamics.

According to Kiran, many organizations continue to view AI primarily as a tool for efficiency and cost reduction. However, HR leaders should focus on a more fundamental question: how technology can enhance human potential rather than simply replace jobs. As routine tasks become automated, capabilities such as relationship-building, ethical decision-making, creativity and emotional intelligence will become increasingly valuable.

Experts argue that organizations must also rethink their structures to prepare for the workforce of 2030. Traditional career paths and rigid job descriptions are giving way to more fluid, project-based and cross-functional roles. Companies that encourage continuous learning, internal mobility and psychological safety are expected to adapt more successfully to rapid change.

The evolving workplace is also transforming the role of HR itself. Once primarily associated with recruitment and compliance, HR is now playing a key role in addressing challenges such as employee retention, burnout, leadership development, workplace culture and AI-driven transformation. As a result, Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) are increasingly becoming strategic advisors involved in shaping business direction.

Kiran emphasized that data-driven decision-making should complement, not replace, human judgment. While analytics can identify trends and patterns, qualities such as trust, resilience and leadership potential often require human understanding and intuition.

Looking ahead, experts believe future HR professionals will need a broader skill set that combines business strategy, technology, AI literacy, analytics and organizational psychology. However, they stress that the ability to balance technological expertise with empathy and human sensitivity will ultimately distinguish exceptional leaders in an increasingly automated world.