SCERT Maharashtra, Kotak Education Foundation Launch AI Saathi for Educators

Mumbai, July 18, 2026: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Maharashtra, in collaboration with Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), has launched 'AI Saathi for Educators', a structured professional development programme designed to build foundational Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy among teachers across the state.

Launched by Hon. Education Minister Shri Dadaji Bhuse at Mantralaya on July 14, the programme has been selected as the first mandatory virtual training course under the Maharashtra State School Education Department's online training policy. The course accounts for four hours of the state's 20-hour mandatory online professional development framework and will be compulsory for nearly 7.5 lakh teachers and education officers from Grades 1 to 12.

Hosted on the DIKSHA platform, the self-paced course has been developed entirely in Marathi to improve accessibility. It combines videos, learning resources and assessments to help teachers understand AI concepts and integrate them into classroom teaching.

According to SCERT, AI Saathi was selected from a pool of 10 courses submitted for evaluation. The programme follows a three-tier learning model—Basic, Intermediate and Advanced—covering AI fundamentals, classroom integration, inquiry-based learning, personalised instruction and ethical use of AI.

Commenting on the initiative, Hon’ble Commissioner (Education), Sachindra Pratap Singh (IAS) said, “The AI Saathi online course has been developed for all teachers of the state and officials of the Education Department. Through this course, I am fully confident that AI will become a companion for teachers in their day-to-day academic work. With this online course, the state has taken a significant step towards integrating AI into education.”

Hon’ble Director, Dr. Hemant Vasekar (IAS) said, “AI has entered every sphere of life and has the potential to become a trusted companion for teachers. I strongly believe that through this course, educators will be able to work more effectively and efficiently.”

Ganesh Raja, CEO, Kotak Education Foundation, said, "Teachers remain at the heart of education, and AI must evolve as a tool that strengthens their capabilities, not replaces them. Through AI Saathi for Educators, we are enabling teachers across Maharashtra to confidently understand, adapt to, and responsibly use AI in their classrooms. What makes this initiative especially meaningful is its accessibility in Marathi and its focus on practical classroom integration. We are building a future-ready educator ecosystem that is inclusive, practical, and deeply rooted in classroom realities.”

Jayasree Ramesh, COO, Kotak Education Foundation, added, “AI Saathi is proof that cutting-edge technology and grassroots impact are not at odds. For the first time, Maharashtra’s teachers have a resource that speaks to them, literally, in Marathi, building the AI literacy that no device alone can deliver. When educators lead with confidence and ethical grounding, every child in that classroom benefits. That is the transformation we are here to drive.”

The course aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the UNESCO Teacher Competency Framework, focusing on AI foundations, AI-enabled pedagogy and responsible AI practices.