The increased prioritisation and spending on AI from Indian firms will mean a significant portion of technology R&D budgets will now be dominated by something related to AI, Kalra noted.
India is emerging as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence adoption, with 80% of companies marking AI as a core strategic priority; surpassing the global average of 75%, according to Boston Consulting Group’s latest AI Radar report.
The study finds that Indian enterprises are planning significant investments, with 72% allocating up to $25 million for AI initiatives in 2025, while 16% plan to spend between $26-50 million, positioning India among the major global spenders in AI technology.
Amongst key global markets, India ranks ahead of several developed economies in planned AI investments for 2025, with only Japan (53%), US (59%), and Singapore (63%) showing lower percentages of companies planning investments up to $25 million.
The higher percentage of Indian companies in this investment bracket (72%) indicates a more widespread adoption approach across the corporate landscape, though the proportion of firms planning investments above $50 million remains relatively smaller compared to global leaders.
The report, titled “From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap,” which surveyed 1,803 C-level executives across 19 markets and 12 industries, also highlights the growing attention towards autonomous agents; AI systems that achieve goals with minimal human input gaining significant traction as 67% of executives globally consider them for AI transformation.
However, it reveals a concerning gap in India’s AI readiness; particularly in workforce upskilling. Only 26% of Indian companies have trained more than a quarter of their workforce on AI/GenAI tools, falling below the global average of 29% and significantly behind leaders like Singapore (44%) and Japan (38%). BCG, however, anticipates this spending to increase in 2025. Yet, assuming that global counterparts will also keep up with increased spending, this may mean that in India, where supply often outweighs demand in most functions, individual initiative in skill development may continue to play a crucial role alongside organisational efforts.
The upskilling challenge is particularly crucial as organisations grapple with the dual needs of training both users and producers of AI tools. “As learning and development agendas evolve, companies are actively working to upskill their employees on scaling use cases and enabling thinking functions to conceptualise new applications,” said Nipun Kalra, MD & Partner, BCG India, and India Leader, BCG X.
However, contrary to widespread concerns about AI-driven job losses, only 7% of executives globally anticipate a decrease in headcount due to AI automation. “Most CXOs are focused on augmenting existing workforces rather than replacement. The conversation is centred around making functions 30-50% more productive and enabling employees to do more with the same resources, Kalra added.
Meanwhile, despite the increased interest in AI, only 25% of global companies have been able to derive meaningful value from their AI initiatives, the study found, potentially signalling a lack of focused initiatives in a ever-evolving landscape. “While there’s widespread enthusiasm about AI’s intuitive interface, like what we see in ChatGPT, translating this into tangible business impact remains a challenge for many organisations,” Kalra said. “Companies that are surging ahead are the ones that approach AI as a means to an end, focusing on strategic priorities rather than just deploying tools or conducting proof of concept tests, Kalra added.
Globally, leading companies allocate more than 80% of their AI investments to reshaping core functions and inventing new offerings, while others focus 56% of their investments on smaller-scale, productivity-focused initiatives.
In India this has meant that companies in financial services, consumer retail, and manufacturing sectors with consumer facing employees are showing particularly strong adoption trends in autonomous agent adoption, with them having already deployed genAI to transform a core function. “Companies that got comfortable with generative AI in the past year are better positioned to leverage autonomous agents,” Kalra added.
Meanwhile, about 76% of Indian executives acknowledge the need for substantial improvements in AI cybersecurity measures, while 54% cite regulatory challenges as a major factor slowing AI adoption.
Notably, for Indian companies, the lack of control or understanding of AI decisions emerged as the primary concern, ahead of data privacy and regulatory compliance issues. “As companies progress from proof of concepts to full rollout, they’re finding practical solutions to privacy and security concerns,” Kalra added, noting that many scaled use cases actually only send about 20% of their data to external LLMs, with the rest handled by on-premise solutions. This de-averaging effect of scale will start to play out and reduce some of the concerns around safety, and privacy in 2025, Kalra added.
The increased prioritisation and spending on AI from Indian firms will mean a significant portion of technology R&D budgets will now be dominated by something related to AI, Kalra noted. This will also mean a significant shift for India beyond its traditional role as a cost-effective implementation hub towards being an innovative leader. “India’s tech ecosystem is increasingly pivoting towards innovation rather than just being a low-cost player. The focus is shifting towards exporting innovation from India instead of purely being an arbitrage player,” Kalra said.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
US removes Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 2 others from restrictive list to advance nuclear cooperation
The United States announced the removal of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and two other Indian entities from its restricted list.
The United States' Bureau of Industry & Security on Wednesday, January 15, removed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and two other Indian entities from its restrictive list.
In a statement, Bureau of Industry & Security said, “The removal of Indian entities Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) will support US foreign policy objectives by reducing barriers to advanced energy cooperation, including joint research and development and science and technology cooperation, towards shared energy security needs and goals.”
In a statement regarding the removal of three Indian entities, Príncipal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Matthew Borman said, “The removal of the three Indian entities will enable closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure more resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.”
It further said that the removal of these Indian entities will help in advancement of nuclear cooperation between the two countries. “…with strengthened science and technology cooperation over the past several years that has benefitted both countries and their partner countries around the world,” it said.
The US Bureau has added 11 new entities under the People's Republic of China (PRC) for activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests. “With these Entity List additions and removal, we have sent a clear message that there are consequences for supporting the PRC's military modernization,” it said.
“Ten entities were added due to their advancement of the PRC's military modernization through the development and integration of advanced artificial intelligence research. One entity was added for its involvement in development of lithography technology for advanced-node fabrication facilities in China. This technology will enable indigenous production in China of advanced integrated circuits for military end-use,” it said.
The United States' Bureau of Industry & Security on Wednesday, January 15, removed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and two other Indian entities from its restrictive list.
In a statement, Bureau of Industry & Security said, “The removal of Indian entities Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) will support US foreign policy objectives by reducing barriers to advanced energy cooperation, including joint research and development and science and technology cooperation, towards shared energy security needs and goals.”
In a statement regarding the removal of three Indian entities, Príncipal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Matthew Borman said, “The removal of the three Indian entities will enable closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure more resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.”
It further said that the removal of these Indian entities will help in advancement of nuclear cooperation between the two countries. “…with strengthened science and technology cooperation over the past several years that has benefitted both countries and their partner countries around the world,” it said.
The US Bureau has added 11 new entities under the People's Republic of China (PRC) for activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests. “With these Entity List additions and removal, we have sent a clear message that there are consequences for supporting the PRC's military modernization,” it said.
“Ten entities were added due to their advancement of the PRC's military modernization through the development and integration of advanced artificial intelligence research. One entity was added for its involvement in development of lithography technology for advanced-node fabrication facilities in China. This technology will enable indigenous production in China of advanced integrated circuits for military end-use,” it said.
UGC Draft Regulation 2025: What PhD holders need to know
Assistant professor roles require a postgraduate degree with 55 per cent marks and NET/SET/SLET, except in Engineering and Technology.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025 on January 6, setting forth the minimum qualifications required for appointing and promoting academic staff in universities and colleges. While addressing discipline-specific criteria for faculty eligibility, these guidelines aim to uphold and enhance standards in higher education.
Qualification criteria
Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree with at least 55 per cent marks (or equivalent) and clear the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET), or State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET), to qualify for an assistant professor role in disciplines such as Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Sciences, Languages, Journalism, and Management.
However, for positions in Engineering and Technology, a postgraduate degree (e.g., ME or MTech) with at least 55 per cent marks suffices, with no NET requirement, as per AICTE standards. Candidates holding a PhD in any discipline are exempt from the NET criterion, making them eligible for assistant professor roles.
Additional provisions for PhD holdersIf a candidate's PhD discipline differs from their undergraduate or postgraduate discipline (aligned with NCrF levels), the PhD discipline will determine their eligibility for academic appointments.
PhD holders who earned their postgraduate degrees before September 19, 1991, are eligible for a 5 per cent relaxation in marks.
A PhD is mandatory for promotions to Assistant Professor (Academic Level 12), Associate Professor (Academic Level 13A), and Professor (Academic Level 14).
For PhD candidates registered before July 11, 2009, the prevailing regulations of their awarding institution will apply, exempting them from NET/SLET/SET requirements for roles such as Assistant Professor, Assistant Librarian, or Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025 on January 6, setting forth the minimum qualifications required for appointing and promoting academic staff in universities and colleges. While addressing discipline-specific criteria for faculty eligibility, these guidelines aim to uphold and enhance standards in higher education.
Qualification criteria
Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree with at least 55 per cent marks (or equivalent) and clear the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET), or State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET), to qualify for an assistant professor role in disciplines such as Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Sciences, Languages, Journalism, and Management.
However, for positions in Engineering and Technology, a postgraduate degree (e.g., ME or MTech) with at least 55 per cent marks suffices, with no NET requirement, as per AICTE standards. Candidates holding a PhD in any discipline are exempt from the NET criterion, making them eligible for assistant professor roles.
Additional provisions for PhD holdersIf a candidate's PhD discipline differs from their undergraduate or postgraduate discipline (aligned with NCrF levels), the PhD discipline will determine their eligibility for academic appointments.
PhD holders who earned their postgraduate degrees before September 19, 1991, are eligible for a 5 per cent relaxation in marks.
A PhD is mandatory for promotions to Assistant Professor (Academic Level 12), Associate Professor (Academic Level 13A), and Professor (Academic Level 14).
For PhD candidates registered before July 11, 2009, the prevailing regulations of their awarding institution will apply, exempting them from NET/SLET/SET requirements for roles such as Assistant Professor, Assistant Librarian, or Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports.
UGC NET 2024 revised schedule: New dates announced for postponed January 15 exams
UGC NET December 2024 exam schedule: The January 15 exam, postponed due to Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and other celebrations, will now be held on January 21 and 27.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the postponement of the UGC NET December 2024 examination scheduled for 15 January 2025. This decision follows numerous requests to defer the exam due to significant festivals occurring on that date, including Pongal and Makar Sankranti.
The 15 January exam, which has been postponed, will now be held on January 21 and January 27. However, the tests scheduled for 16 January remain unchanged.
In an official statement, the NTA stated, "In the interest of aspirants, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to postpone the UGC-NET December 2024 Exam scheduled on 15th January 2025 only."
The UGC NET December 2024 examination cycle began on 3 January 2025 and was initially planned to conclude on 16 January 2025.
The UGC NET is a national-level examination conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professorship, Junior Research Fellowship, or both, in Indian universities and colleges.
The exam covers 85 subjects and is conducted in a computer-based format across multiple shifts. Each session comprises two papers, with no break in between, and the questions are presented in both English and Hindi, except for language-specific subjects.
Candidates can contact the NTA helpdesk or refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on the official UGC NET website for further updates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the postponement of the UGC NET December 2024 examination scheduled for 15 January 2025. This decision follows numerous requests to defer the exam due to significant festivals occurring on that date, including Pongal and Makar Sankranti.
The 15 January exam, which has been postponed, will now be held on January 21 and January 27. However, the tests scheduled for 16 January remain unchanged.
In an official statement, the NTA stated, "In the interest of aspirants, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to postpone the UGC-NET December 2024 Exam scheduled on 15th January 2025 only."
The UGC NET December 2024 examination cycle began on 3 January 2025 and was initially planned to conclude on 16 January 2025.
The UGC NET is a national-level examination conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professorship, Junior Research Fellowship, or both, in Indian universities and colleges.
The exam covers 85 subjects and is conducted in a computer-based format across multiple shifts. Each session comprises two papers, with no break in between, and the questions are presented in both English and Hindi, except for language-specific subjects.
Candidates can contact the NTA helpdesk or refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on the official UGC NET website for further updates.
UDYAMOTSAV 2025: AICTE initiative to nurture student entrepreneurs
Coinciding with National Startup Day, the event serves as a platform for over 325 student-led startups to present their ideas, connect with investors, and access mentorship, writes TG Sitharam.
Aiming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students across India, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched UDYAMOTSAV 2025.
Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), the event coincides with National Startup Day, announced by PM Narendra Modi on January 16, 2022, and aligns with the vision of the government to make India a global hub for startups. Being the government’s flagship initiative, Startup India has fostered innovation, catalysed startup culture, and built a robust and inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Over the years, the initiative has rolled out numerous programmes designed to support entrepreneurs, build a resilient startup ecosystem, and transform India into a nation of job creators. Since its inception, the startup landscape in India has witnessed exponential growth, earning its place as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
The AICTE has decided to elevate the celebration of National Startup Day with UDYAMOTSAV 2025, a platform for startups and entrepreneurs from higher education institutions. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together over 80 investors and showcase the innovative ideas of more than 325 startups, selected from over 10,000 student registrations across the country. These startups will present groundbreaking ideas at 14 institutions nationwide, including Apex University, Jaipur; Chandigarh Engineering College, Mohali; iHub, Ahmedabad; Mahindra University, Hyderabad; MIT World Peace University, Pune; and many others.
Pitching ideas
One of the key highlights of UDYAMOTSAV 2025 is the ‘Shark Tank’-style pitching sessions. This dynamic format provides startups with a unique opportunity to pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of investors, securing not only funding but also invaluable feedback and exposure. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between budding entrepreneurs and the investor community, fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.
The event is designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. All participating startups, including those not shortlisted for the national pitching round, will receive ongoing support through AICTE Indovation Centres. These centres play a pivotal role in building a regional ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that our youth have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.
AICTE’s initiatives, including UDYAMOTSAV, are in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises promoting an entrepreneurial mindset and nurturing problem solvers. Through experiential learning, innovation, and creativity, AICTE is fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive India’s growing economy. Furthermore, as we celebrate the Year of Artificial Intelligence, AICTE is committed to integrating AI into our educational framework through dedicated curricula, collaborative programmes, hackathons, and projects.
To further strengthen this ecosystem, AICTE-MIC will launch a dedicated Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship on National Startup Day. This programme aims to train 3,000 faculty members who will serve as master trainers, ensuring that innovation and entrepreneurship become integral components of our educational institutions.
By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, we are empowering our youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. UDYAMOTSAV 2025 is not just an event but a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that will shape the future of our nation.
Aiming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students across India, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched UDYAMOTSAV 2025.
Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), the event coincides with National Startup Day, announced by PM Narendra Modi on January 16, 2022, and aligns with the vision of the government to make India a global hub for startups. Being the government’s flagship initiative, Startup India has fostered innovation, catalysed startup culture, and built a robust and inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Over the years, the initiative has rolled out numerous programmes designed to support entrepreneurs, build a resilient startup ecosystem, and transform India into a nation of job creators. Since its inception, the startup landscape in India has witnessed exponential growth, earning its place as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
The AICTE has decided to elevate the celebration of National Startup Day with UDYAMOTSAV 2025, a platform for startups and entrepreneurs from higher education institutions. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together over 80 investors and showcase the innovative ideas of more than 325 startups, selected from over 10,000 student registrations across the country. These startups will present groundbreaking ideas at 14 institutions nationwide, including Apex University, Jaipur; Chandigarh Engineering College, Mohali; iHub, Ahmedabad; Mahindra University, Hyderabad; MIT World Peace University, Pune; and many others.
Pitching ideas
One of the key highlights of UDYAMOTSAV 2025 is the ‘Shark Tank’-style pitching sessions. This dynamic format provides startups with a unique opportunity to pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of investors, securing not only funding but also invaluable feedback and exposure. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between budding entrepreneurs and the investor community, fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.
The event is designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. All participating startups, including those not shortlisted for the national pitching round, will receive ongoing support through AICTE Indovation Centres. These centres play a pivotal role in building a regional ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that our youth have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.
AICTE’s initiatives, including UDYAMOTSAV, are in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises promoting an entrepreneurial mindset and nurturing problem solvers. Through experiential learning, innovation, and creativity, AICTE is fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive India’s growing economy. Furthermore, as we celebrate the Year of Artificial Intelligence, AICTE is committed to integrating AI into our educational framework through dedicated curricula, collaborative programmes, hackathons, and projects.
To further strengthen this ecosystem, AICTE-MIC will launch a dedicated Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship on National Startup Day. This programme aims to train 3,000 faculty members who will serve as master trainers, ensuring that innovation and entrepreneurship become integral components of our educational institutions.
By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, we are empowering our youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. UDYAMOTSAV 2025 is not just an event but a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that will shape the future of our nation.
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