New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast reshaping India’s classrooms, with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) reporting over 8 lakh students enrolled in AI courses across 18,800 schools in 2024-25. Introduced from Class 6 onwards under NEP 2020, AI is now one of the most popular skill subjects.

While enrolments soar, experts warn of uneven readiness. Many schools lack basic digital infrastructure, reliable internet, or trained teachers. According to UDISE+ data, 63% of schools have computers and internet, but effective AI use remains limited, particularly in rural and single-teacher schools.

“Equitable AI access requires three things—devices, reliable bandwidth, and dedicated teacher time,” says Nishant Chandra, Co-founder, Newton School. However, teacher preparedness remains patchy. Although 70% of teachers report using AI tools, more than half admit they do not fully understand them.

Global education leaders stress that AI must be used to transform teaching, not just as a classroom app. “Without proper training, we risk producing tool users, not future-ready educators,” cautions Dinesh Gupta, CEO of Vikalp India.

Internationally, countries like Singapore and the UK integrate AI with ethics and responsibility, while India focuses largely on employability. The IndiaAI Mission, with a budget of over ₹10,000 crore, aims to build local AI tools in Indian languages to ensure inclusivity.

Experts say systemic reforms are needed—compulsory AI modules in teacher training, project-based learning, and policies to bridge the digital divide. Without them, the AI revolution risks widening the urban-rural education gap.

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