ET AI Ready: The Economic Times Launches AI Readiness Certification for Indian Institutions

ET AI Ready is an AI Readiness Certification by The Economic Times that helps institutions assess and demonstrate their preparedness for an AI-driven environment through a structured, expert-led evaluation. How AI-ready is an institution, really? As expectations around skills and outcomes change, this question is becoming harder to avoid. Many institutions believe they are prepared, but only a few have tested that assumption in a structured way. ET AI-Ready has been created to offer that clarity. This platform is an AI Readiness Certification developed by The Economic Times to help institutions measure how prepared they are for an AI-driven environment. It is not merely a ranking or a participation badge, rather the certification is earned via a structured, expert-led assessment that evaluates real capability, based on evidence. At its core, the framework focuses on how AI is actually embedded within an institution, the assessment examines whether AI is meaningfully integrated into learning programmes, whether educators are trained and actively using AI in their work and if the institution has access to the tools and systems needed for practical AI use. Each area is assessed and presented through a star-rated scorecard, giving institutions a clear view of their current position. This approach matters because expectations have shifted faster than most institutions anticipated. AI skills are no longer limited to specialized roles. They are increasingly expected across functions, and individuals with hands-on AI exposure are seeing better outcomes in hiring and compensation. Institutions that cannot demonstrate AI readiness face growing pressure as placements, partnerships, and admissions decisions become more closely linked to measurable skill alignment. Registrations are now open for institutions looking to assess their AI readiness. Designed for Indian Institutions, the framework works with what already exists. It does not depend on heavy infrastructure changes, focusing instead on practical AI adoption through available and cloud-based tools, while staying aligned with regulatory norms. Beyond certification, it highlights strengths, identifies gaps, and outlines practical steps for improvement over time. This allows AI readiness to be approached as an ongoing capability rather than a one-time label. For students and parents, the certification acts as a clear signal of preparedness in a changing skills landscape. For recruiters, it offers greater confidence in the exposure and capabilities students are gaining. For institutions, it provides a credible way to stand out in a crowded environment, using an objective benchmark that is independently assessed. As AI readiness becomes a defining measure of institutional relevance, the ability to assess and demonstrate preparedness is taking on new importance. ET AI Ready positions itself as a way to move this conversation from assumption to evidence, helping institutions understand where they stand and what comes next. Registrations are now open for institutions looking to assess their AI readiness.