With the growing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science (DS) and other emerging technologies in the educational sphere across the State, institutions specialising in courses to supplement what is being taught in school and college syllabi have become busier in recent years in Tiruchi.

In 2021, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced coding and data sciences as skill modules in its curriculum, in collaboration with software giant Microsoft.

Last year, the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) launched learning modules in computer science, AI coding, and online tools for students of Classes VI to IX as part of the government school curriculum in Tamil Nadu for 2026-27 academic year.

The growing emphasis on computer education in private and government schools and colleges has created a significant market for specialist institutions that cater to students looking to upgrade their skills outside the classroom.

Training centres in the city are conducting courses free of charge in programming languages such as C++, Python and Java under the auspices of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra scheme.

“AI-driven technology has made it important for users to know how to write prompts, in almost every field. Skill developer academies give a greater depth to what is being covered in the classroom syllabus,” K. Sathish Kumar, managing director, Big Learn, told The Hindu on Friday.

The trending information technology programmes at Big Learn, which has been functioning since 25 years, include AI and ML, ethical hacking, and cyber security and network engineering and network security. The fees for the short-term certificate courses here range upwards of ₹9,000.

The academy conducts faculty development programmes for government schools teachers.

“Our main challenge is to get students to devote enough time to the courses so that they can develop right skills to make them employable,” said Mr. Kumar.

Industry players say that from a recruitment perspective, students, whether at school or college, need to take the initiative to study coding on their own because the curricula in most educational institutions is too basic to make them industry-ready.

“For now, studying for and passing exams seems to be the only goal for most graduates. AI is currently being used as a medium for coding, and its larger utilities are being ignored. Students should understand that they need to supplement coding knowledge with classroom learning,” said Bharath Manoharan, founder, DigiPlus Technology.