Himachal opens new avenues for youth in IoT and AI-driven courses

Recognizing the growing importance of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Himachal Pradesh government has launched new academic opportunities to prepare youth for the digital age.

The initiative aims to align technical education with modern industry needs and create skilled professionals for the future.

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The Department of Technical Education has introduced a joint course, Diploma in Computer Science Engineering and IoT, in select government polytechnic colleges across the state.

A government spokesperson said here on Thursday that Government Polytechnic College, Hamirpur (Baduhi)—one of the oldest and most reputed technical institutions in Himachal Pradesh—has commenced this diploma programme.

“Following its introduction at Government Polytechnic College, Rohru, the course began in Hamirpur from the last academic session with an intake of 51 seats.

The integrated course offers students an opportunity to gain core computer science knowledge while exploring emerging domains like IoT and AI,” he said.

Students of the college, including Artha, Srishti Chauhan, and Aryan Chopra, expressed their appreciation for the new course. They said that the launch of the Diploma in Computer Science Engineering and IoT in Hamirpur has made it easier for local students to pursue modern and in-demand education close to home.

They added that IoT and AI are fast-growing fields, creating vast opportunities for innovation and employment.

The state government is also setting up a dedicated innovation fund of Rs. 2 crore to promote an innovation-driven ecosystem and support young innovators in turning their ideas into reality. To further enhance employability, the government has introduced advanced degree and diploma courses in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at other institutions as well. Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Nagrota Bagwan, will now offer degree courses in AI and Data Science, while Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pragatinagar, will start a civil engineering degree course. Government Polytechnic Sundernagar, Mandi, will introduce a diploma in Computer Science and Engineering (AI and Machine Learning). The government will ensure that the required teaching staff is provided soon for effective implementation.

The government’s education reforms reflect a shift from traditional learning to technology-integrated training. These steps aim to modernize curricula, strengthen institutional capacity, and build stronger industry linkages to align education with emerging technologies.

The spokesperson further said that such forward-looking initiatives under the state’s ‘Vyastha Parivartan’ programme are translating into measurable improvements in employability, entrepreneurship, and the overall readiness of youth to compete in the global economy.