Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a transformative role in helping India become a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the second day of the five-day India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, he emphasized the large-scale integration of AI in the education sector and called for equipping the younger generation with AI-driven skills.
AI to Address Key Challenges in India’s Education System
Even 78 years after Independence, India’s education system continues to face multiple challenges. These include shortages of teachers in schools and higher education institutions, lack of quality study material in regional and mother languages, and the need for skill development among students.
Pradhan highlighted that AI can effectively bridge these gaps. From improving access to quality education to providing learning content in students’ native languages, AI has the potential to modernize classrooms and make education more inclusive and efficient.
Focus on AI Education for the New Generation
During the special session titled “Expanding the Scope of AI in India”, organized by the Ministry of Education, the minister urged youth to actively engage with AI and embrace technological advancements rather than fear them.
He encouraged students to strengthen teamwork, explore opportunities emerging from technological transformation, and leverage AI not just in education but across sectors. “There is no reason to fear change. Instead, we must adopt and lead it,” he said.
Vision for India as a Global AI-Powered Knowledge Hub
Pradhan also called upon universities, startups, and leading corporations to collaborate and build a comprehensive AI vision for the country. He expressed confidence that with the energy and innovation of young minds, India can emerge as a global knowledge center driven by AI.
Experts participating in the summit agreed that AI can significantly support the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and help translate its reform-oriented vision into reality.
AI to Support Teacher Shortages and Skill Development
Education experts pointed out that AI can assist schools facing teacher shortages by enabling AI-powered learning tools that teach students in their mother tongue. It can also provide access to globally competitive study material and enhance skill development programs.
They further emphasized the need for higher education institutions to produce skilled AI professionals to meet growing industry demands and support India’s digital transformation journey.
Key Participants at the Summit
Prominent experts and industry leaders who participated in the session included:
- Dr. Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation
- Dr. Vibhu Mittal, Technology Expert
- Rajan Anandan, Industry Leader
- Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur
- Prof. V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras
- Prof. Sunita Sarawagi, IIT Bombay
The discussions at the summit reinforced the view that AI will be central to achieving India’s long-term development goals and transforming the country into a knowledge-driven economy by 2047.
