BITS Pilani has revised its undergraduate curriculum to reflect the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education and address rising concerns about students’ mental health and well-being. The changes place greater emphasis on hands-on learning, research, entrepreneurship, and holistic student development.
Professor V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani, said AI has democratised access to knowledge, making it important for students to develop the confidence and skills to create independently.
The revised curriculum also strengthens practical learning by integrating research and project work into undergraduate studies through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP), Advanced UROP, and Super UROP. Students are encouraged to work on societal challenges, with funding available to develop and test solutions as part of their coursework. Alongside academic and professional development, the institute has placed greater emphasis on physical and mental well-being. Inputs from recruiters and alumni, along with feedback from student surveys, also helped shape the changes. The restructured curriculum introduces the following changes:
The curriculum includes approximately 60 hours of structured participation in activities covering fitness, creativity, well-being workshops, social conduct and community engagement. Rao said approximately 250 faculty members from different departments and campuses contributed to the curriculum revision.
The institute’s Practice School programme offers industry exposure and mentorship, while entrepreneurship pathways help students take promising ideas towards products and ventures, Rao said.
