IIIT Delhi’s bold move: Students can use AI tools, but must disclose every prompt they used

The Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT Delhi) is stepping up efforts to foster research, innovation and ethical technology use, aligning its academic framework with the fast-changing digital landscape.

In an interaction with News18, Director Professor Ranjan Bose said the institute is taking concrete steps to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the learning process, expand its research ecosystem and enhance doctoral opportunities with one of India’s most attractive PhD fellowships.

Responsible AI use in classrooms

With generative AI tools like ChatGPT becoming part of students’ academic routines, IIIT Delhi has opted for a balanced approach rather than prohibition. The director noted that instead of banning AI, the institute aims to teach students to use such tools responsibly, so they evolve as thoughtful innovators and not mere consumers of technology.

The institute is now designing evaluation methods that consider not only the final assignment or project but also how students interact with AI systems. This includes assessing the prompts used, the process of refining responses and the depth of critical thinking demonstrated through these interactions.

To ensure transparency, students will be required to attach the prompts they used while working with AI tools and declare the extent of AI involvement in their submissions. The move is intended to make students accountable for their output while helping faculty understand how technology shapes their problem-solving process.

Stronger research ecosystem

As part of its renewed focus on research, IIIT Delhi is offering PhD fellowships of up to ₹60,000 a month to attract talented scholars. Professor Bose said the initiative aims to make doctoral research financially viable so that capable students are encouraged to pursue academia and innovation rather than corporate careers.

He explained that the enhanced fellowship allows students to dedicate themselves entirely to research without financial stress. Alongside this, IIIT Delhi has expanded its interdisciplinary research centres, now spanning key domains such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and health informatics. These centres bring together experts from varied fields to develop technology that addresses pressing social challenges.

Innovation and industry collaboration

IIIT Delhi has also strengthened its innovation and incubation ecosystem, enabling students and faculty to transform ideas into market-ready solutions. The institute provides mentorship, incubation support and access to resources to help start-ups grow beyond the lab.

Student-led ventures from the institute have already gained recognition in fintech, healthcare and edtech sectors. The university is also partnering with industry leaders to encourage collaborative research and internships, bridging the gap between academia and real-world application.

Expanding global partnerships

Looking ahead, the institute plans to expand its international collaborations through student exchanges, joint research and academic partnerships with leading global universities. Professor Bose said such efforts would expose students to international research standards and innovation practices.

He emphasised that IIIT Delhi’s ultimate goal is to cultivate technologists and researchers who are not only skilled but also socially conscious. The institute envisions producing innovators who understand the broader impact of technology and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.