Ministry's AI Education Focus
The Ministry of Education is set to take center stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosting a dedicated session to illuminate the nation's progress
in embedding Artificial Intelligence across its educational framework. This significant event, scheduled for February 17, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, will feature prominent government officials, including the Union Minister of Education and the Minister of State for Education & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Their presence underscores a strong governmental commitment to leveraging AI's transformative capabilities to revolutionize learning experiences and outcomes for students throughout India. The session aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the Ministry's ongoing endeavors to weave AI into the fabric of education, aligning perfectly with the forward-looking directives of the National Education Policy 2020 and the ambitious national objective of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. This proactive approach signifies India's dedication to preparing its youth for a future where AI plays an increasingly integral role.
Building AI-Ready Foundations
Over the preceding decade, India has meticulously laid the groundwork for an AI-powered educational system. This strategic development has been multifaceted, encompassing the establishment of robust digital infrastructure, the implementation of crucial institutional reforms, and targeted initiatives to enhance capacity building across various educational tiers. These efforts have spanned from foundational school education and advanced higher education programs to vocational skilling and cutting-edge research endeavors. A tangible outcome of this preparatory phase is the recent establishment of a dedicated Centre of Excellence in AI for Education at IIT Madras, a development that followed the announcements made in Budget 2025. Furthermore, the Ministry has actively fostered collaborations with a diverse array of stakeholders, including academic institutions, burgeoning startups, and influential civil society organizations, all contributing to the development of a comprehensive roadmap for AI adoption in education. The recent Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, presided over by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, served as another critical platform for strengthening these stakeholder partnerships, emphasizing responsible and inclusive AI integration in the learning process.
Expert Insights and Vision
The upcoming session at the AI Impact Summit promises a rich exchange of ideas, bringing together a distinguished panel of thought leaders from academia, industry, and the investment sector. Esteemed figures such as Dr. Sridhar Vembu of Zoho Corporation, Dr. Vibhu Mittal from Inflection, Rajan Anandan of Peak XV Partners, and academics like Prof. Manindra Agrawal (IIT Kanpur), Prof. V. Kamakoti (IIT Madras), and Prof. Sunita Sarawagi (IIT Bombay) are expected to contribute their unique perspectives. Moderated by Prof. Manoj S. Gaur of IIT Jammu, the discussion will zero in on critical aspects of AI integration, including the refinement of governance frameworks, the strategic utilization of public digital platforms, and fostering AI innovation to significantly enhance learning outcomes on a broad scale. A key emphasis will be placed on the essential role of policy-driven systemic change and the indispensable need for robust collaboration among government bodies, academic institutions, and industry players to effectively shape India's future trajectory in AI-driven education.
