A new report from BrightCHAMPS, positioned as the world’s largest student-led survey on artificial intelligence in education, reveals growing concerns among young learners in India. According to the data, 38% of Indian students are anxious about their future job prospects due to the rapid advancement of AI. This sentiment mirrors global trends, with 36% of students worldwide expressing similar fears.
The report, based on inputs from 1,425 students across 29 countries, indicates that while AI tools are widely used in learning environments, there remains a significant disconnect in comprehension, usage ethics, and guidance structures. In India, 63% of students say they use AI regularly—especially platforms like ChatGPT—but only 10% feel confident in their understanding of how these systems work.
AI use is widespread, but understanding remains limited
Despite the growing dependence on AI tools, only 34% of students globally claim to understand the underlying technology. In India, the gap is evident—50% of students admit difficulty in recognising whether images or videos are AI-generated. Alarmingly, 20% of students have believed incorrect AI-generated answers, and 29% globally do not verify the output before using it.
In contrast to perceptions of academic misuse, the BrightCHAMPS report presents an encouraging picture: 95% of Indian students and 86% globally say they have never used AI to cheat. Instead, the tools are being used to aid homework, assist in language comprehension, and support exam prep.
Also read: Sundar Pichai: Human Talent Still Key in AI Era
Students want structured AI education, not restrictions
A significant 75% of Indian students believe AI education should be introduced formally in schools. Over half said they need additional help to navigate AI effectively—not just from parents or teachers, but through a structured ecosystem that promotes responsible use. The findings call for urgent intervention from educators, policymakers, and technologists to equip students with critical thinking frameworks and ethical guidance.
Meanwhile, Google’s offer of a free one-year Gemini 2.5 Pro subscription for Indian students aged 18+ is seen as a step in this direction. Gemini tools now offer capabilities such as dynamic content creation, exam support, note organisation, and research assistance—all integrated within Google’s app ecosystem.
As AI becomes embedded in everyday learning, the report positions the voice of students not as passive users, but as active stakeholders demanding clarity, support, and readiness for a transformed future.
