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The state of AI in Indian schools — 2026 report

We surveyed 312 principals across India on how they're (and aren't) using AI in their schools. Six insights that surprised us.

IS
Indika School Editorial
May 7, 2026 · 14 min read

The big picture

After surveying 312 principals across 14 states, six findings stood out — some encouraging, some troubling.

1. Adoption is uneven, not absent

68% of urban private schools have piloted AI in some form. Among government schools, that number drops to 12%.

2. The use cases are pragmatic

The top three: lesson plan generation (74%), report card remarks (52%), and parent communication drafting (41%).

3. Hallucinations remain the #1 concern

81% of principals worry about AI providing factually wrong information to students. Only 23% have a documented review workflow.

4. Teachers want it. Students need guardrails.

Teacher enthusiasm: 79% positive. Student access: highly contested. Most schools (62%) restrict student-facing AI to a school-controlled tutor.

5. Cost is no longer the biggest barrier

In 2024, cost ranked #1. In 2026, it's training and change management.

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