tech
January 29, 2026
India is teaching Google how AI in education can scale
With the highest global usage of Gemini for learning, India is emerging as a key market shaping Google's approach to AI in education.
TL;DR
- India's education system, with its large student population, state-level curricula, and uneven resource access, is a key proving ground for Google's education AI.
- Google is shifting from a centrally defined product to designing AI that allows schools and administrators to decide how and where it's used.
- The company is observing faster adoption of multimodal learning in India, catering to diverse languages, learning styles, and access levels.
- Google is prioritizing AI tools that assist teachers with planning, assessment, and classroom management, reinforcing the teacher-student relationship.
- AI is being introduced in Indian classrooms with inconsistent internet access and shared devices, highlighting challenges in equitable access.
- Google's initiatives in India include AI-powered exam preparation, teacher training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions.
- Rivals like OpenAI and Microsoft are also increasing their focus on the Indian education market.
- Concerns exist regarding the uncritical use of AI in education, potential over-reliance on tools, and impacts on critical thinking skills.