VTU V-C tells students to be AI-ready

S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), on Thursday said students must strengthen themselves technically to stay relevant in this competitive era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the IT sector.

He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘YUKTI 2K26’ cultural programme organised by the Mysuru Regional Centre of the university.

“A significant share of software jobs is increasingly being taken over by AI. By 2030, the entire software industry is likely to become AI-dependent, as several industry leaders have observed,” he said.

Earlier, the university had around 500–600 admissions. During his tenure, the number has increased to 2,500. Accordingly, quality academic programmes are being organised to match the growing intake, the V-C informed.

To support students from economically weaker families, a new ‘Vidyanidhi’ scheme has been introduced by the university. So far, ₹60 lakh has been collected under the fund, which will be utilised to pay the fees of needy students, Prof. Vidyashankar added.

The ‘YUKTI’ cultural programme was launched in 2024, with ₹2.5 crore allocated in advance for four centres. “Along with celebrating cultural festivals, students must focus on academics. By the time 2,500 students graduate, all of them should be employment-ready,” he said.

Actor Sharan said providing opportunities for cultural and sports activities along with academics in schools and colleges is essential.

Actors Dhanya Ramkumar and Sonal Monteiro, regional director H.M. Nanjundaswamy, VTU EC member M.S. Shivakumar, organising secretary S.N. Thimmaraju, assistant professor Prasanna Kumar and others were present.