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The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into education is transforming how children learn across India. A recent report released by Central Square Foundation at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi sheds light on how deeply these tools are now embedded in students’ daily academic routines. The Bharat Survey for EdTech 2025, conducted between July 2025 and January 2026, offers valuable insights into usage patterns, benefits, and the risks associated with GenAI adoption among school-age children.

A Growing Presence in Everyday Learning

The survey collected responses from 12,500 households and 2,500 educators across ten Indian states, providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of AI use in education to date. According to the findings, 35% of children who use educational technology (edtech) platforms are now incorporating GenAI tools into their studies.

This statistic alone reflects a significant shift. What was once a futuristic concept has quickly become a regular academic companion for many students. Particularly striking is the widespread adoption among children from low-income families. Among this group, 96% reported using GenAI multiple times a week, and 69% said they access it daily. For many of these households, AI tools are filling a critical gap where consistent adult academic support may be unavailable.

These numbers highlight not only growing accessibility but also increasing reliance. GenAI is no longer a supplementary resource—it is becoming central to how students approach homework, revision, and skill development.

How Students Are Using GenAI

The survey reveals that most children are using GenAI for practical, school-related purposes. About 73% rely on these tools to clarify doubts and practice academic material. Rather than waiting for classroom time or external tuition, students can instantly receive explanations and examples tailored to their queries.

Additionally, 48% use GenAI to learn new skills or translate languages, while 32% use it specifically for exam preparation. This range of applications suggests that students view AI not merely as a homework helper, but as a versatile learning assistant.

Several factors drive this popularity. Forty-five percent of respondents cited easy-to-understand explanations as the primary reason they prefer GenAI tools. Another 41% appreciated the speed of responses, and 40% valued the interactive formats. In many cases, AI platforms provide simplified breakdowns of complex topics, which can be particularly beneficial for students who struggle with traditional textbook explanations.

The appeal is understandable. In an era where information overload is common, tools that provide concise, personalized responses feel empowering and efficient.

A Critical Gap in Understanding

Despite the enthusiasm and frequent usage, the survey uncovered a concerning trend: widespread misunderstanding of how GenAI actually works. Nearly 75% of children who were aware of GenAI believed that these applications function mainly as internet search engines. This indicates a fundamental misconception about the nature of generative AI systems.

Ironically, 85% of respondents claimed they understood how GenAI operates. This discrepancy between perceived and actual understanding highlights a significant educational gap. Many students are comfortable using AI tools, but they lack clarity about how responses are generated, what limitations exist, and why outputs may sometimes be inaccurate.

This misunderstanding can have serious consequences. Treating GenAI as an infallible source of factual information increases the risk of accepting incorrect or fabricated responses without question. Unlike traditional search engines that direct users to identifiable sources, generative systems create responses based on patterns in training data, which may not always reflect verified facts.

Concerns About Misinformation and Overreliance

Experts at the summit emphasized the potential hazards associated with unchecked AI use. Nearly half of the survey participants identified “wrong information” as a major risk linked to edtech and GenAI tools. Concerns about overdependence were also prominent.

If students begin to rely excessively on AI for answers, there is a danger that critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills could weaken. Instead of engaging deeply with concepts, learners might become accustomed to quick solutions without understanding underlying principles.

The issue becomes even more pressing when foundational AI literacy is lacking. Without knowledge of how AI systems generate responses or where errors may arise, students may struggle to evaluate the credibility of the information they receive.

The Need for Structured AI Education

The findings underscore that expanding access to technology alone is insufficient. While the democratization of GenAI tools offers tremendous opportunities, it must be accompanied by structured educational frameworks.

According to Central Square Foundation, the priority should now shift toward fostering digital literacy and critical thinking skills. Schools and policymakers must integrate AI education into curricula in a systematic way. Students should learn not only how to use AI tools effectively but also how to question, verify, and contextualize the outputs they receive.

This could include teaching basic principles of machine learning, discussing ethical considerations, and introducing fact-checking practices. By embedding these lessons into mainstream education, India can ensure that children become informed users rather than passive consumers of AI-generated content.

Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

India’s educational landscape is evolving rapidly. The integration of GenAI into classrooms reflects broader global trends, where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and daily life. For students, AI offers unprecedented access to personalized learning support and skill-building resources.

However, this transformation also demands responsibility. Policymakers, educators, parents, and technology providers must collaborate to create safeguards and guidelines that encourage thoughtful usage.

The survey’s results provide a timely reminder: innovation without understanding can create vulnerabilities. By pairing technological access with strong educational foundations, India has the opportunity to harness AI’s potential while minimizing its risks.