Education – Leaders Call for Inclusive AI-Driven Learning Reform
Education – The Centre for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) convened a high-level discussion on the future of education amid rapid technological change, placing artificial intelligence at the centre of policy conversations during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
National Dialogue on Education and Technology
The event, titled “Reimagining Education in the Age of AI,” was held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and served as one of the principal sessions of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The gathering drew senior policymakers, university leaders, researchers, and industry representatives to deliberate on how artificial intelligence can reshape classrooms, curriculum design, and institutional frameworks.
According to CPRG, the discussion focused on how AI can help build more personalised and inclusive education systems. Participants examined ways to promote AI literacy among both students and teachers, arguing that familiarity with emerging technologies is becoming essential for future-ready education.
The organisation said the deliberations reflected the broader objectives of the summit, which aims to address the governance, ethical, and institutional dimensions of artificial intelligence in India and beyond.
Human-Centred Approach to AI Integration
Dr Ramanand, Director of CPRG, underscored the need to preserve the central role of human judgement in education. He noted that while AI offers significant support tools for teachers and learners, the process of learning itself should remain the priority.
“Technology must serve as an enabler, not a substitute for critical thinking,” he said, emphasising that AI should assist educators rather than replace them.
Dr Ramanand also stressed the importance of equitable access. He pointed out that digital infrastructure and AI tools must reach communities across regions to prevent widening educational disparities. Without inclusive implementation, he cautioned, technological advancement could deepen existing gaps.
He further argued that educational institutions must evolve to meet the demands of a technology-driven future. Rethinking governance models, curriculum structures, and teacher training systems will be essential to keep pace with rapid innovation.
Strengthening AI Literacy Among Teachers
S Anand Rao Patil, Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Government of India, highlighted the scale of the challenge. India, he said, has more than one crore school teachers, making teacher capacity-building a top priority.
He stressed that educators must be equipped with AI literacy to guide students responsibly in using digital tools. Responsible adoption, he noted, depends not only on access but also on awareness and ethical understanding.
Prof KK Aggarwal, President of South Asian University, reflected on earlier waves of technological transformation, recalling the period when India’s IT sector was expanding rapidly. He observed that the current moment driven by artificial intelligence carries even greater implications for higher education and national development.
AI as a Complement, Not a Competitor
Prof Pankaj Arora, Chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), addressed concerns about automation in classrooms. He maintained that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a rival to educators.
According to him, artificial intelligence can enhance adaptability and creativity in teaching, enabling more tailored learning experiences for students. By supporting lesson planning, assessment, and feedback, AI systems can help teachers devote more time to mentorship and engagement.
Suresh Yadav from the Commonwealth Secretariat described the shift brought about by AI as transformative. He remarked that the changes extend beyond incremental adjustments and instead represent a comprehensive reorientation of systems. The responsibility now, he said, lies in ensuring that this transformation unfolds in a direction aligned with public interest.
Report Launch and Broader Initiative
During the session, CPRG unveiled a new report titled “AI in School Education,” presenting findings on how students are engaging with artificial intelligence tools and what that means for curriculum design and pedagogy. The report aims to inform policymakers and institutions as they craft guidelines for integrating AI into formal education.
The summit event is part of CPRG’s broader Future of Society initiative, which examines how emerging technologies influence governance and public institutions. In the months leading up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the organisation conducted consultations across India and abroad, bringing together experts to discuss preparedness and policy frameworks.
Through multiple sessions at the summit, CPRG contributed to ongoing global discussions on responsible AI adoption and technology governance. It also hosted the second edition of its PadhAI Conclave, reinforcing its focus on implementation strategies and institutional reform in the education sector.