Dr Atul Chauhan

India is entering a period of significant change in education as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into industries, governance, healthcare and other areas of society. For higher education institutions, this shift brings the responsibility of preparing students to work with AI while also understanding its limitations, ethical implications and impact on society.

According to the 2024 Advancing India’s AI Skills: Interventions and Programmes Needed report by NASSCOM and Deloitte India, India’s AI talent pool is projected to grow from 600,000–650,000 to more than 1.25 million between 2022 and 2027. The broader AI market, particularly software and services, is also projected to grow at a 25–35 per cent compound annual growth rate through 2027.

For universities, these developments underline the need to integrate AI education into academic programmes. Used thoughtfully, AI can support personalised learning, assist teachers, expand access to educational resources and help students develop skills relevant to emerging careers.

Supporting personalised learning

AI-based systems can analyse aspects of student performance and recommend lessons, exercises or practice material. Students who require additional support can receive further explanations and practice, while those progressing faster can be given more challenging tasks.

However, such systems should complement rather than replace teacher judgement. Educators remain important in understanding students’ individual circumstances and providing academic and personal guidance.

Supporting teachers and classrooms

AI can also assist educators with tasks such as lesson planning, organising learning materials and routine assessments. By reducing some administrative responsibilities, technology could allow teachers to devote more time to mentoring, classroom discussion and creative learning.

The role of teachers remains central because education involves more than the delivery of information. Empathy, encouragement, ethical guidance and an understanding of students’ social and emotional needs cannot be reduced to automated systems.

Expanding access to learning

India’s linguistic and geographical diversity presents another area where AI could contribute. Digital platforms such as DIKSHA and SWAYAM have expanded access to educational resources. AI-enabled translation, speech recognition and text-to-speech technologies could further support students who learn in regional languages or require accessibility features.

Rural and remote learners could also benefit from AI tutors, digital laboratories and career-guidance tools. However, these possibilities depend on reliable electricity, affordable devices, internet access and systems capable of functioning in low-bandwidth or offline environments.

Preparing students for an AI-enabled workplace

Universities in different parts of the world are experimenting with interdisciplinary approaches to AI education, combining technical learning with problem-solving, projects and applications across disciplines.

For students, technical knowledge alone may not be sufficient. They will also need to understand how to evaluate AI-generated information, identify limitations, verify outputs and apply human judgement. These skills will be relevant across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, finance, manufacturing, education and public services.

India’s education system must therefore approach AI as a tool that works alongside human intelligence. Investment in computing infrastructure, teacher training, regional-language technologies, ethical safeguards and inclusive access will be important to ensure that AI reduces rather than widens educational inequalities.

The future of education will not be secured by AI alone. Its value will depend on how effectively institutions combine technological capabilities with human judgement, responsible use and meaningful learning. By taking this balanced approach, education can help students become capable and ethical participants in an increasingly AI-enabled world.