Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati recently hosted the Annual AI Conference, “AI Confluence,” which involved 400 students enrolled in its online B.Sc. (Hons) Degree program in Data Science and AI, offered by the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This two-day event provided a collaborative environment for students who typically engage in online learning, allowing them to interact with faculty and peers, thereby enhancing their connection to the institute.Participants of varied academic and professional backgrounds, including early-career professionals and recent high school graduates, a few attended lectures, discussions, and activities that fostered community engagement. Prof. Devendra Jalohal, Director of IIT Guwahati, emphasized the significance of data science in modern business, underscoring the institute’s commitment to linking online learners with in-person collaboration opportunities.
The conference featured invited lectures on data-driven strategies in life sciences, privacy in large-scale AI systems, and essential skills for an automated future. Activities also included poster presentations, AI film-making, inventathons, and entrepreneurship panel discussions, further enriching the educational experience.Prof. Ratnajit Bhattacharya highlighted the increasing demand for expertise in data science and AI, indicating a pivotal shift towards data-informed decision-making. IIT Guwahati’s online B.Sc. program caters to those whose circumstances preclude a full-time on-campus education, with a focus on accessible yet high-quality technical training.According to Prof. Hemant B. Kaushik, the Dean of Online Education & Skilling (OES), the program allows students to customize their learning pace while maintaining rigorous academic standards and engagement. With the program’s growth, IIT Guwahati remains dedicated to developing innovative educational models that blend academic excellence with flexibility and meaningful student interaction.