In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at blending India’s ancient knowledge traditions with modern technological education, Central Sanskrit University (CSU) has received approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to launch a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at its Nashik campus from the 2026-27 academic session.
The move marks a historic entry of a Sanskrit university into the field of engineering and technology education in India. The four-year undergraduate programme will begin with an intake of 60 students, along with an additional 10 per cent seats for candidates from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Accredited with an ‘A++’ grade by NAAC, the university said the programme has been designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a focus on multidisciplinary education, innovation, skill development, and value-based learning. The course aims to combine the intellectual traditions preserved in Sanskrit literature, grammar, philosophy, and linguistics with emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Computational Linguistics, and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
University officials described the approval as a major milestone not only for the institution but also for the future of Indian language based technological education.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Srinivas Varkhedi called the development a “historic step” towards integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern science and technology.
“This is not merely the approval of a new technical programme, but a historic step towards an unprecedented confluence of Indian Knowledge Systems and modern science. Our aim is to connect India’s ancient intellectual heritage, especially Sanskrit grammar, logic, philosophy, and linguistics, with the most influential technologies of the modern era. The structural precision and logical framework of Paninian grammar are remarkably close to the principles of modern coding, algorithms, and machine learning. The Nashik campus will emerge as a pioneering centre where students will not only learn coding and data analytics, but also contribute towards developing ethical, value based, and more humane Artificial Intelligence rooted in Sanskrit knowledge traditions. This initiative will further strengthen the vision of ‘Vishwaguru Bharat,” Varkhedi said.
Registrar Prof. R. G. Muralikrishna said the university has been steadily expanding beyond conventional Sanskrit studies into professional and career oriented education.
“Under the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, Sanskrit is no longer confined to classical studies alone but is now establishing a strong presence in professional and technical education as well. Several innovative programmes have already been introduced by the university, including Ayurveda Gurukulam affiliation portals, programmes in Indian jurisprudence such as LLB and BA Honours, civil services oriented courses, the ‘Setubandha’ scholar scheme, and the ITEP programme. The AICTE approval marks a revolutionary milestone in the university’s academic journey and will open excellent career opportunities for students in academia, corporate sectors, and global research.”
Admissions to the programme will be conducted through JEE, according to Nashik Campus Director Prof. Neelabh Tiwari. He said the university is setting up advanced laboratories, digital infrastructure, and technical facilities in accordance with AICTE guidelines, while also arranging expert faculty and industry oriented training opportunities for students.
Apart from core AI and data science subjects, the programme will also focus on AI-driven Sanskrit language technologies, intelligent translation systems, digital preservation of ancient manuscripts, and semantic analysis of classical texts using modern AI tools.
Students enrolled in the programme will also have access to AICTE initiatives such as the PARAKH evaluation system, Pragati, Saksham, and Swanath scholarship schemes, as well as innovation platforms like the Smart India Hackathon.
University officials expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen the role of Indian languages in the technology sector and create opportunities for academic collaborations with premier institutions including IITs, NITs, and leading IT companies in India and abroad.
