Gauhati University has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to give its students free training in artificial intelligence (AI) and creative digital skills, along with new routes to study abroad. The agreements were signed on Thursday, 5 November 2026, through the university’s Department of Information Technology, The Sentinel reported.
The partners are the Ladli Foundation Trust, New Delhi, and the Taksheela Institute of Education, which operates in Kolkata and Bengaluru. Registrar Prof Utpal Sarma signed both agreements in the Registrar’s Conference Room with authorised representatives of the two organisations, while Department of Information Technology Head Prof Shikhar Kumar Sarma signed on behalf of the department.
Free Adobe AI and digital skills programme for students
Under the MoU with the Ladli Foundation Trust, Gauhati University will facilitate the Adobe Creative & AI Digital Skills Accelerator programme on campus. Students will get free, self-paced learning modules and digital certification across creative technologies, AI literacy, design, multimedia and digital content creation.
Because the modules are self-paced, students can add AI and creative-tool skills alongside their regular degree work rather than enrolling in a separate course. Adobe has been widening access to its creative and generative AI tools for learners in India, including a free AI creative suite for students announced earlier this year.
Study-abroad pathways through Taksheela Institute
The second agreement, with the Taksheela Institute of Education, will open international higher education options for Gauhati University students. These include study-abroad programmes, semester-abroad arrangements and other global academic engagements.
Prof Shikhar Kumar Sarma said the collaborations reflect the department’s commitment to expanding academic opportunities and equipping students with skills suited to an evolving digital landscape. He also stressed the value of partnerships with industry, knowledge organisations and international academic institutions.
Why it matters for higher education in the Northeast
Gauhati University, based at Jalukbari in Guwahati, is one of the oldest and largest universities in Northeast India. Bringing a no-cost, certified AI and digital skills track to its students fits a wider push by Indian universities and states to make AI literacy part of mainstream learning. Recent examples include Telangana’s free AI and cloud training for 1 lakh students with AWS, Calicut University’s AI-led curriculum overhaul, Karnataka’s AI literacy training for 5,000 government teachers and the green skills and applied AI centre at Gautam Buddha University.
For students in Assam, the programme offers recognised digital credentials without extra fees, which can help with internships, freelance creative work and jobs that now expect basic AI fluency. More details are on the Gauhati University website.
Key takeaways
- Gauhati University signed two MoUs on 5 November 2026 through its Department of Information Technology.
- The Ladli Foundation Trust MoU brings the free Adobe Creative & AI Digital Skills Accelerator, with self-paced modules and digital certification.
- Courses cover creative technologies, AI literacy, design, multimedia and digital content creation.
- The Taksheela Institute MoU supports study-abroad and semester-abroad programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What AI programme will Gauhati University students get?
Students will get the Adobe Creative & AI Digital Skills Accelerator, facilitated through the Ladli Foundation Trust, with free self-paced modules and digital certification.
Is the training free for students?
Yes. The modules and certification under the Ladli Foundation Trust agreement are offered to students free of cost.
Who signed the MoUs for Gauhati University?
Registrar Prof Utpal Sarma signed the agreements, and IT Department Head Prof Shikhar Kumar Sarma signed for the department.
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