Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: IIT Hyderabad
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question relates to developments in higher education and emerging technologies in India. Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly growing field, and the introduction of a dedicated bachelors degree programme in AI marks a significant step in formalising education in this area. Knowing which Indian Institute of Technology, or IIT, first launched such a full fledged programme is important for exams that test science, technology, and education related current affairs.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to the first dedicated bachelors degree programme in Artificial Intelligence technology in India.
- The options list four prominent IITs: Kanpur, Hyderabad, Madras, and Mumbai.
- We assume that this refers to the announcement that gained media attention as the first of its kind in the country.
Concept / Approach:
The concept is awareness of academic initiatives in frontier technologies. IIT Hyderabad was the institute that announced a full fledged BTech programme in Artificial Intelligence, widely described as the first such programme in India. The correct approach is to recall this institute and not to confuse it with IITs that have AI specialisations within computer science rather than separate full programmes.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question is about a bachelors degree, not a minor or elective, specifically in Artificial Intelligence.
Step 2: Recall that IIT Hyderabad claimed the distinction of launching the first dedicated BTech in Artificial Intelligence in India.
Step 3: Check the options and identify IIT Hyderabad as option B.
Step 4: Make sure that other IITs listed were not reported as the first to introduce such a complete AI degree at that time.
Step 5: Select IIT Hyderabad as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Press releases and reports in national newspapers emphasised that IIT Hyderabad introduced the first bachelors course solely in Artificial Intelligence. Other IITs like IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur have strong computer science departments and AI research, but they were not described as having launched the first BTech specifically titled Artificial Intelligence. This confirms that IIT Hyderabad holds that distinction.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
IIT Kanpur: While it is a leading institute in engineering and computer science, it was not the first to launch a dedicated BTech in Artificial Intelligence, so this option is incorrect.
IIT Madras: IIT Madras offers advanced programmes and research in data science and AI but it was not credited with launching the first stand alone BTech in AI, which makes this option wrong in this specific context.
IIT Mumbai: Also known as IIT Bombay, it has strong AI related courses but did not make the first such announcement about a full bachelors programme in AI at that time.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often assume that the oldest or most famous IITs, such as IIT Bombay or IIT Madras, must be the first in every new initiative. Another pitfall is to confuse a specialisation or minor in AI with a full, independent degree programme. To avoid mistakes, it is important to focus on how the question is worded and to remember that IIT Hyderabad specifically highlighted its programme as the first full BTech in Artificial Intelligence in India.
Final Answer:
The first IIT to launch a full bachelors degree programme in Artificial Intelligence technology was IIT Hyderabad.
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