The AI Impact Summit 2026 took place in New Delhi, unveiling the increasing integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into the learning routines of children in India. The Bharat Survey for EdTech 2025 was released by Central Square Foundation, indicating that 35% of children utilizing educational technology (edtech) are employing GenAI tools in their studies. However, the survey also uncovered a significant misunderstanding among these young users regarding the functionality of GenAI.

Misconceptions About AI Capabilities

Conducted from July 2025 to January 2026, the survey encompassed responses from 12,500 households and 2,500 educators across ten states. The findings revealed that nearly 75% of children aware of GenAI mistakenly believe that these applications operate primarily as internet search engines. This confusion highlights a critical gap in understanding, despite 85% of the respondents claiming they comprehend how GenAI works.

In particular, the report noted that among children from low-income families, GenAI has become a regular part of their educational experience, with 96% using it multiple times a week and 69% accessing it daily.

Usage Patterns and Motivations

The survey indicated that children predominantly utilize GenAI for school-related tasks. Notably, 73% rely on such tools for resolving doubts and practicing material, while 48% use them to learn new skills or for language translation, and 32% for test preparation. The factors driving the appeal of GenAI among young learners include easy-to-understand explanations (45%), rapid responses that conserve time (41%), and interactive formats (40%). These features are particularly beneficial in households where adult educational support may be lacking.

Concerns Over Misinformation and Overuse

Despite the benefits, experts raised alarms about the potential hazards associated with frequent use of GenAI without strong foundational literacy in artificial intelligence. Almost half of the respondents identified “wrong information” as a significant risk linked to edtech and GenAI usage, alongside worries regarding overreliance on these tools. The findings emphasized that merely measuring access and adoption rates is insufficient, pointing to the need for enhanced educational frameworks that foster better comprehension of AI technologies.

Importance of Educational Frameworks

The Central Square Foundation highlighted the urgency of addressing these educational gaps. It is essential to not only promote access to innovative educational tools but also to ensure that children are equipped with adequate understanding and critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the complex landscape of technology-driven learning.

The results from this comprehensive survey shed light on the interplay between technology, education, and the need for informed usage of artificial intelligence in India’s classrooms.

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