How machine learning is reshaping higher education in India
Vijay Garg
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) have impacted almost every industry, from healthcare to finance, by transforming traditional methods and improving efficiency. Machine learning (ML) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, recognised globally for its transformative potential. As a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), ML enables computers to learn from data and improve over time without explicit programming. This capability facilitates intelligent decision-making, predictive analytics, and the automation of complex tasks.
In India, the landscape for ML is particularly fertile, given the country's rich pool of technical talent, a blooming digital economy, and increasing investment from both government and private sectors. According to a recent report by BCG and IT industry apex body Nasscom, India's AI market is growing at a CAGR of 25-35 percent and is projected to reach around USD 17 billion by 2027.
This comes with the scope of expanding the future of machine learning education in India. This article delves into the dynamic landscape of ML education in India, exploring both its burgeoning opportunities and the challenges it faces. Additionally, it highlights the role of Amazon's Machine Learning programme in shaping the nation's talent pool for the future.
THE FERTILE LANDSCAPE OF ML IN INDIA
Machine Learning (ML) is not just another buzzword; it's an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution reshaping the business landscape. Several innovations, once considered science fiction, are now powered by AI/ML.
At Amazon, AI models predict network conditions to serve streamlined pages, ensuring a seamless experience even on slow networks. AI also scales language translation efforts, enabling customers to shop in their preferred language; for instance, a marketplace like Amazon supports eight languages, with AI modifying spellings based on phonetic similarities.
India's landscape for ML is particularly fertile, boasting a rich pool of technical talent, a burgeoning digital economy, and increasing investment from both government and private sectors. A report by BCG and Nasscom projects India's AI market to grow at a CAGR of 25-35 percent, reaching around USD 17 billion by 2027.
India has seen an exponential surge in interest and demand for Machine Learning (ML) roles in recent years. Driven by data proliferation and the growing need for automation and intelligent decision-making, jobs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ML have grown rapidly. According to a study titled "Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future" by Amazon Web Services, the speed of AI transformation happening in India is remarkable. Almost all employers (99 percent) envision their companies becoming AI-driven organisations by 2028.
While most employers (97 percent) believe their finance department will be the biggest beneficiary, they also foresee IT (96 percent), research and development (96 percent), sales and marketing (96 percent), business operations (95 percent), human resources (94 percent), and legal (92 percent) departments driving significant value from AI too.
The "Data Science Education Report 2023" from Imarticus Learning predicts India's data science education sector will reach $1.391 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 57.52%. This surge is paralleled by the online education sector's growth, expected to increase from $76.20 million to $533.69 million.
Educational institutes are recognising the importance of ML curricula beyond computer science and engineering with limited ML-related courses. Now, institutions are introducing comprehensive ML programmes and research opportunities. Online platforms and MOOCs (Massive open online courses) play a crucial role, in breaking down geographical barriers and providing self-paced learning opportunities.
THE NEED FOR SPECIALISED SKILL SETS AND DEPTH IN ML COMPETENCE
Despite progress, ML education faces many shortcomings. The complexity of ML algorithms demands a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, statistical methods, and programming skills. ML's industry relevance spans healthcare, finance, automotive, and retail, where it drives predictive analytics, automation, and improved decision-making processes. Professionals with specialised ML skills are crucial for innovation and maintaining competitiveness. They must handle complex and unstructured data, identify patterns, and develop models that efficiently solve real-world problems. Advancing ML also requires experts to contribute to research, develop new algorithms, and push the field's boundaries.
To build these specialised skillsets and depth of competence, several approaches are effective. Advanced degree programmes provide in-depth theoretical knowledge and research opportunities, while specialised certification programs focus on specific areas like deep learning and natural language processing. Intensive boot camps and courses offer practical, hands-on training, and industry projects and internships provide real-world experience.
Workshops, seminars, and conferences keep professionals updated and networked with experts. Engaging in research projects deepens understanding, and mentorship programs provide guidance and support for career growth. There is also a need for greater collaboration between governments, industries, and educators to help employers across India implement AI/ML training programmes and guide workers in matching their skill sets to the right roles to harness their newly acquired AI/ML capabilities.
AMAZON'S ROLE IN ADVANCING ML EDUCATION
Amazon's dedication to advancing machine learning (ML) education is evident through its active involvement in promoting the field. This commitment is highlighted by the Amazon Machine Learning Summer School (MLSS), an immersive program aimed at providing students with essential ML skills and technologies. The recently announced 4th edition of the program is open to engineering students pursuing bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees at recognised institutes in India. MLSS prepares participants for rewarding careers in the field, bridging the gap between market demand and student readiness.
Amazon is also invested in enhancing the skills of their talent with relevant training and upskilling opportunities, such as 'Machine Learning University' which provides employees with opportunities to learn about and apply machine learning concepts, and 'ML Gurukul' aims to educate SDEs on fundamental ML concepts and techniques to enable them to frame ML problems and identify appropriate modelling techniques to solve business problems.
In addition to its contributions to ML education, Amazon India fosters a culture of growth and equal opportunities for all individuals in the tech sector, extending its commitment to diversity and inclusion across various communities. Initiatives such as the Amaze WIT (Amazon Women in Technology) conference serve as significant platforms for promoting female representation in the technology industry. Leadership development programs like the Amazon Future Builders Program engage top B-school students, while specific programmes like Pinnacle and Catapult provide unique opportunities for women's leadership development.
One such programme is Amazon WoW, a networking platform for women engineering students in India. It connects them with Amazon leaders, recruiters, and the broader community. It offers skill-building sessions, access to resources, and conversations with alumni about their career experiences, providing insight into Amazon's culture. The goal is to support women students in building long-term careers in technology.
Collaborations with student programs contribute to significant shifts in university hiring, aiming to build a more diverse workforce and create an inclusive workplace environment.
Amazon is committed to catalysing the advancement of ML education in India, dedicated to fostering the growth and success of machine learning education and ensuring the readiness of the next generation of ML professionals to lead India into a technologically advanced future.