In a significant event for Indian education, the ASM Group of Institutes introduced the ASM AI Fest 2026 on February 9 with a groundbreaking technological display: a keynote speech delivered simultaneously at 10 campuses by the AI Digital Twin of Chairman Dr. Sandeep Pachpande. While Dr. Pachpande observed from the sidelines, his highly realistic AI avatar addressed a large audience, signaling the start of a thorough institutional change.
This initiative is strategically crafted to support the Government of India’s ‘IndiaAI Mission’ and ‘Digital India’ vision. By integrating AI into various aspects of education, ASM is actively contributing to the Prime Minister’s objective of positioning India as a global center for skilled AI professionals.
The launch paves the way for the ASM AI Fest, scheduled until February 28. As one of the largest skill development endeavors in the region, it involves over 6,000 participants, including students, faculty, and administrative staff, in immersive AI training sessions. With its theme ‘Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow’, the festival aims to shift academic practices from passive awareness to active adoption of AI in teaching, research, learning techniques, and institutional management.
By infusing AI into daily educational practices, ASM aims to ensure that every student graduates with an ‘AI-First’ mindset — not as a substitute for human abilities but as an enhancer.
Going beyond traditional curriculum boundaries, the festival features workshops conducted by top-tier AI experts focusing on practical applications. The goal is for every ASM graduate to embrace an ‘AI-First Mindset’, considering AI as a tool for empowerment rather than competition.
The ASM AI Fest marks the commencement of a long-term transformation plan supported by various initiatives such as Institute-specific ASM AI Task Forces for sustained implementation, establishment of the upcoming ASM AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for advanced training and research, deployment of the Navdrishti App for automated student management with AI-enabled modules, introduction of PGDM Dual Specialization Programs incorporating AI integration.
These efforts underline that ASM’s commitment to AI is not just a temporary trend but a continuous journey towards transformation.
Dr. Pachpande emphasized, “The concern is that AI will displace humans. Our approach differs: Individuals leveraging AI will surpass those who don’t.” This event ensures that our students and faculty are well-positioned on the advantageous side of this scenario.
The closing ceremony of the ASM AI Fest is set for February 28th across all institutions. Under Chairman’s guidance, key leaders within the group have orchestrated this massive endeavor, positioning ASM as a trailblazer in AI-integrated education and offering prospective students an environment aligned with India’s national vision for AI.
What sets this initiative apart for potential students and parents is that AI implementation at ASM extends across all programs and departments within the academic ecosystem.
Across different programs offered by ASM —including MBA, PGDM, MCA, Engineering courses, Undergraduate programs, School & Junior College education—AI is systematically integrated to equip learners with future-ready skills.
For instance: MBA & PGDM students delve into AI-driven business analytics at IBMR; MCA & Engineering learners engage with machine learning tools at Nextgen Technical Campus; Undergraduates explore entrepreneurship using AI at CSIT; School & Junior College pupils receive foundational knowledge on ethics and basic concepts of AI at GEMS.
For those seeking admission post-2026, ASM presents itself not only as an educational institution but as an environment where learning is enhanced by emerging technologies throughout various aspects such as curriculum design, teaching methods evaluation processes and career placement strategies.