diff --git a/.github/instructions/cython.instructions.md b/.github/instructions/cython.instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a68c2c9c2c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/instructions/cython.instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+applyTo:
+  - "dpctl/**/*.pyx"
+  - "dpctl/**/*.pxd"
+  - "dpctl/**/*.pxi"
+---
+
+# Cython Instructions
+
+See `dpctl/AGENTS.md` for full conventions.
+
+## Required Directives (after license)
+```cython
+# distutils: language = c++
+# cython: language_level=3
+# cython: linetrace=True
+```
+
+## Key Rules
+- `cimport` for C-level, `import` for Python-level
+- Store C refs as `_*_ref`, clean up in `__dealloc__` with NULL check
+- Use `with nogil:` for blocking C operations
diff --git a/.github/instructions/dpctl.instructions.md b/.github/instructions/dpctl.instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b97eb0e0a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/instructions/dpctl.instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+applyTo:
+  - "**/*.py"
+  - "**/*.pyx"
+  - "**/*.pxd"
+  - "**/*.cpp"
+  - "**/*.hpp"
+  - "**/*.h"
+---
+
+# DPCTL General Instructions
+
+See `AGENTS.md` at repository root for project overview and architecture.
+Each major directory has its own `AGENTS.md` with specific conventions.
+
+## Key References
+
+- **Code style:** `.pre-commit-config.yaml`, `.clang-format`, `.flake8`
+- **License:** Apache 2.0 with Intel copyright - match existing file headers
+
+## Critical Rules
+
+1. **Device compatibility:** Not all devices support fp64/fp16 - never assume availability
+2. **Queue consistency:** Arrays in same operation must share compatible queues
+3. **Resource cleanup:** Clean up C resources in `__dealloc__` with NULL check
+4. **NULL checks:** Always check C API returns before use
diff --git a/.github/instructions/libsyclinterface.instructions.md b/.github/instructions/libsyclinterface.instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..9b9d738d71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/instructions/libsyclinterface.instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+---
+applyTo:
+  - "libsyclinterface/**/*.h"
+  - "libsyclinterface/**/*.hpp"
+  - "libsyclinterface/**/*.cpp"
+---
+
+# C API Instructions
+
+See `libsyclinterface/AGENTS.md` for conventions.
+
+## Naming
+`DPCTL<ClassName>_<MethodName>` (e.g., `DPCTLDevice_Create`)
+
+## Ownership annotations (see `include/syclinterface/Support/MemOwnershipAttrs.h`)
+- `__dpctl_give` - caller must free
+- `__dpctl_take` - function takes ownership
+- `__dpctl_keep` - function only observes
+
+## Key Rules
+- Annotate all parameters and returns
+- Return NULL on failure
+- Use `DPCTL_API` for exports
diff --git a/.github/instructions/memory.instructions.md b/.github/instructions/memory.instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ff99ac359f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/instructions/memory.instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+---
+applyTo:
+  - "dpctl/memory/**"
+  - "**/test_sycl_usm*.py"
+---
+
+# USM Memory Instructions
+
+See `dpctl/memory/AGENTS.md` for details.
+
+## USM Types
+- `MemoryUSMDevice` - device-only (fastest)
+- `MemoryUSMShared` - host and device accessible
+- `MemoryUSMHost` - host memory, device accessible
+
+## Lifetime Rules
+1. Memory is queue-bound
+2. Keep memory alive until operations complete
+3. Views extend base memory lifetime
diff --git a/.github/instructions/testing.instructions.md b/.github/instructions/testing.instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..560ec89b80
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/instructions/testing.instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+---
+applyTo:
+  - "dpctl/tests/**/*.py"
+  - "**/test_*.py"
+---
+
+# Testing Instructions
+
+See `dpctl/tests/AGENTS.md` for patterns.
+
+## Essential helpers (from `helper/_helper.py`)
+```python
+get_queue_or_skip()           # Create queue or skip
+skip_if_dtype_not_supported() # Skip if device lacks dtype
+```
+
+## Dtype/USM lists
+Import from `elementwise/utils.py` - do not hardcode.
+
+## Coverage
+- All dtypes from `_all_dtypes`
+- All USM types: device, shared, host
+- Edge cases: empty, scalar, broadcast
diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4f9556a3e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+# AGENTS.md - AI Agent Guide for DPCTL
+
+## Purpose
+
+This file is the top-level entry point for AI agents working in `IntelPython/dpctl`.
+Use it to orient quickly, then follow directory-level `AGENTS.md` files for implementation details and local conventions.
+
+## Repository Scope
+
+DPCTL provides Python bindings for SYCL runtime objects and supporting infrastructure.
+
+High-level stack:
+
+```
+Python API  ->  Cython Bindings  ->  C API (libsyclinterface)  ->  SYCL Runtime
+```
+
+## How to Work in This Repo
+
+1. Identify the directory you are changing.
+2. Read the nearest `AGENTS.md` for that directory.
+3. Keep changes local and minimal; avoid unrelated refactors.
+4. Validate behavior with targeted tests before broad test runs.
+
+## Directory Guide
+
+| Directory | Guide | Notes |
+|-----------|-------|-------|
+| `dpctl/` | `dpctl/AGENTS.md` | Core SYCL Python bindings and Cython patterns |
+| `dpctl/memory/` | `dpctl/memory/AGENTS.md` | USM memory model and ownership rules |
+| `dpctl/program/` | `dpctl/program/AGENTS.md` | Program/kernel compilation APIs |
+| `dpctl/utils/` | `dpctl/utils/AGENTS.md` | Queue and utility validation helpers |
+| `dpctl/tests/` | `dpctl/tests/AGENTS.md` | Test conventions and coverage expectations |
+| `libsyclinterface/` | `libsyclinterface/AGENTS.md` | C API contracts and ABI-safe patterns |
+
+## Global Constraints
+
+- Match existing Apache 2.0 + Intel header style for source files.
+- Respect style tooling from `.pre-commit-config.yaml`, `.clang-format`, and `.flake8`.
+- Do not assume all devices support fp64/fp16.
+- Preserve queue/device compatibility checks and explicit error paths.
+- Keep memory/resource cleanup explicit and safe.
+
+## Notes on GitHub Copilot Instructions
+
+Files under `.github/instructions/*.instructions.md` are entry points for Copilot behavior.
+They should stay concise and reference authoritative `AGENTS.md` files rather than duplicating full guidance.
diff --git a/dpctl/AGENTS.md b/dpctl/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..23fbbf2d69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dpctl/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# dpctl/ - Core SYCL Bindings
+
+## Purpose
+
+Python/Cython wrappers for SYCL runtime objects: Device, Queue, Context, Event, Platform.
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `_sycl_device.pyx` | `SyclDevice` wrapping `sycl::device` |
+| `_sycl_queue.pyx` | `SyclQueue` wrapping `sycl::queue` |
+| `_sycl_context.pyx` | `SyclContext` wrapping `sycl::context` |
+| `_sycl_event.pyx` | `SyclEvent` wrapping `sycl::event` |
+| `_sycl_platform.pyx` | `SyclPlatform` wrapping `sycl::platform` |
+| `_sycl_device_factory.pyx` | Device enumeration and selection |
+| `_sycl_queue_manager.pyx` | Queue management utilities |
+| `_backend.pxd` | C API declarations from libsyclinterface |
+| `enum_types.py` | Python enums for SYCL types |
+
+## Cython Conventions
+
+### Required Directives (after license header)
+```cython
+# distutils: language = c++
+# cython: language_level=3
+# cython: linetrace=True
+```
+
+### Extension Type Pattern
+```cython
+cdef class SyclDevice:
+    cdef DPCTLSyclDeviceRef _device_ref  # C reference
+
+    def __dealloc__(self):
+        if self._device_ref is not NULL:
+            DPCTLDevice_Delete(self._device_ref)
+
+    cdef DPCTLSyclDeviceRef get_device_ref(self):
+        return self._device_ref
+```
+
+### Key Rules
+- Store C references as `_*_ref` attributes
+- Always clean up in `__dealloc__` with NULL check
+- Use `with nogil:` for blocking C calls
+- Check NULL before using C API returns
+
+### Exceptions
+- `SyclDeviceCreationError`
+- `SyclQueueCreationError`
+- `SyclContextCreationError`
+
+## cimport vs import
+
+```cython
+# cimport - C-level declarations (compile-time)
+from ._backend cimport DPCTLSyclDeviceRef, DPCTLDevice_Create
+
+# import - Python-level (runtime)
+from . import _device_selection
+```
diff --git a/dpctl/memory/AGENTS.md b/dpctl/memory/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ee1f232402
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dpctl/memory/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+# dpctl/memory/ - USM Memory Management
+
+## Purpose
+
+Python classes for SYCL Unified Shared Memory (USM) allocation.
+
+## USM Types
+
+| Class | USM Type | Description |
+|-------|----------|-------------|
+| `MemoryUSMDevice` | Device | Device-only, fastest access |
+| `MemoryUSMShared` | Shared | Host and device accessible |
+| `MemoryUSMHost` | Host | Host memory, device accessible |
+
+## __sycl_usm_array_interface__
+
+All memory classes implement this protocol:
+```python
+{
+    "data": (ptr, readonly_flag),
+    "shape": (nbytes,),
+    "strides": None,
+    "typestr": "|u1",
+    "version": 1,
+    "syclobj": queue
+}
+```
+
+## Memory Lifetime Rules
+
+1. **Queue-bound:** Memory tied to specific queue/context
+2. **Outlive operations:** Keep memory alive until operations complete
+3. **Views extend lifetime:** Views keep base memory alive
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `_memory.pyx` | Memory class implementations |
+| `_memory.pxd` | Cython declarations |
+| `__init__.py` | Public API exports |
diff --git a/dpctl/program/AGENTS.md b/dpctl/program/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3f24023452
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dpctl/program/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# dpctl/program/ - SYCL Kernel Compilation
+
+## Purpose
+
+Compile and manage SYCL kernels from OpenCL C or SPIR-V source.
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `_program.pyx` | `SyclProgram`, `SyclKernel` extension types |
+| `_program.pxd` | Cython declarations |
+| `__init__.py` | Public API exports |
+
+## Classes
+
+- **`SyclProgram`** - Compiled SYCL program containing one or more kernels
+- **`SyclKernel`** - Individual kernel extracted from a program
+
+## Usage Pattern
+
+```python
+from dpctl.program import create_program_from_source
+
+source = """
+__kernel void add(__global float* a, __global float* b, __global float* c) {
+    int i = get_global_id(0);
+    c[i] = a[i] + b[i];
+}
+"""
+
+program = create_program_from_source(queue, source)
+kernel = program.get_sycl_kernel("add")
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- Programs are context-bound
+- Follows same Cython patterns as core dpctl (see `../AGENTS.md`)
diff --git a/dpctl/tests/AGENTS.md b/dpctl/tests/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..46e0a9c378
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dpctl/tests/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+# dpctl/tests/ - Test Suite
+
+## Purpose
+
+pytest-based test suite for dpctl functionality.
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `conftest.py` | Fixtures and pytest configuration |
+| `helper/_helper.py` | `get_queue_or_skip()`, `skip_if_dtype_not_supported()` |
+| `elementwise/utils.py` | Dtype and USM type lists for parametrization |
+
+## Essential Helpers
+
+From `helper/_helper.py`:
+```python
+get_queue_or_skip()           # Create queue or skip test
+skip_if_dtype_not_supported() # Skip if device lacks dtype (fp64/fp16)
+```
+
+## Dtype/USM Lists
+
+**Do not hardcode** - import from `elementwise/utils.py`:
+```python
+from .utils import _all_dtypes, _usm_types, _no_complex_dtypes
+```
+
+## Test Pattern
+
+```python
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("dtype", _all_dtypes)
+def test_operation(dtype):
+    q = get_queue_or_skip()
+    skip_if_dtype_not_supported(dtype, q)
+
+    x = dpt.ones(100, dtype=dtype, sycl_queue=q)
+    result = dpt.operation(x)
+    # ... assertions
+```
+
+## Coverage Requirements
+
+- All supported dtypes (see `elementwise/utils.py`)
+- All USM types: device, shared, host
+- Memory orders: C, F where applicable
+- Edge cases: empty arrays, 0-d arrays (scalars), broadcasting
diff --git a/dpctl/utils/AGENTS.md b/dpctl/utils/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..8ab88fff5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dpctl/utils/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+# dpctl/utils/ - Utility Functions
+
+## Purpose
+
+Helper utilities for device queries, execution context management, and ordering.
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `_compute_follows_data.pyx` | `get_execution_queue()` for queue compatibility |
+| `_order_manager.py` | `OrderManager` for memory layout handling |
+| `_intel_device_info.py` | Intel-specific device information |
+| `_onetrace_context.py` | Tracing/profiling context manager |
+
+## Key Functions
+
+### get_execution_queue()
+Validates queue compatibility between arrays:
+```python
+from dpctl.utils import get_execution_queue
+
+exec_q = get_execution_queue([x.sycl_queue, y.sycl_queue])
+if exec_q is None:
+    raise ExecutionPlacementError("Incompatible queues")
+```
+
+### ExecutionPlacementError
+Exception raised when arrays are on incompatible queues.
+
+## Notes
+
+- `get_execution_queue()` is critical for all tensor operations
+- See usage examples in `dpctl/tensor/` modules
diff --git a/libsyclinterface/AGENTS.md b/libsyclinterface/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b724de8679
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libsyclinterface/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+# libsyclinterface/ - C API Layer
+
+## Purpose
+
+C wrapper around SYCL C++ runtime for language interoperability (used by Cython bindings).
+
+## Directory Structure
+
+```
+libsyclinterface/
+├── include/syclinterface/
+│   ├── Support/
+│   │   ├── DllExport.h         # DPCTL_API macro
+│   │   ├── ExternC.h           # extern "C" macros
+│   │   └── MemOwnershipAttrs.h # Ownership annotations
+│   └── dpctl_sycl_*.h          # API headers
+├── source/                      # Implementation
+└── tests/                       # C interface tests
+```
+
+## Naming Convention
+
+```
+DPCTL<ClassName>_<MethodName>
+```
+
+Examples: `DPCTLDevice_Create`, `DPCTLQueue_Submit`, `DPCTLContext_Delete`
+
+## Memory Ownership Annotations
+
+Defined in `Support/MemOwnershipAttrs.h`:
+
+| Annotation | Meaning |
+|------------|---------|
+| `__dpctl_give` | Caller receives ownership, must free |
+| `__dpctl_take` | Function takes ownership, caller must not use after |
+| `__dpctl_keep` | Function only observes, does not take ownership |
+| `__dpctl_null` | NULL is valid value |
+
+## Function Pattern
+
+```c
+DPCTL_API
+__dpctl_give DPCTLSyclContextRef
+DPCTLContext_Create(__dpctl_keep const DPCTLSyclDeviceRef DRef,
+                    error_handler_callback *handler,
+                    int properties);
+
+DPCTL_API
+void DPCTLContext_Delete(__dpctl_take DPCTLSyclContextRef CRef);
+```
+
+## Key Rules
+
+- Always annotate ownership on parameters and returns
+- Return NULL on failure
+- Use `DPCTL_C_EXTERN_C_BEGIN/END` for C++ implementations
+- Use `DPCTL_API` for exported functions