AI-enabled education key to global leadership, youth enthusiasm high: Dharmendra Pradhan

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 has infused fresh enthusiasm among the country's youth, stressing that it is India's duty to equip the new generation with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled education.

Speaking at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national Capital, Pradhan said the event has drawn participation with great excitement and is focussed on two broad themes, 'AI in Education' and 'Education in AI,' covering the spectrum from traditional knowledge systems to modern technological advancements.

"By organising the AI Impact Summit, a new enthusiasm has been instilled in India's new generation. In fact, fees for 370 institutions were decided in a single meeting of May 20, 2025. Then, on June 17, 293 institutions were cleared, 244 on June 15, 224 on June 9, and finally, 178 more on December 10.

These figures were handed over to the legislator Pratap Grewal by Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar in a written reply which is the reason for political as well as public debates on transparency and fairness.

Medical education, particularly MBBS, is the crux of the problem as the figures are very high. The least fee for MBBS for the year 2025, 26 has been fixed at Rs 9 lakh and the highest at Rs 12.60 lakh. Hence, the tuition alone for the five, year course can be more than Rs 60 lakh, without counting hostel fees, books, equipment, and other expenses.

"One key vertical is how AI can impact education. "Any kid should have the freedom to ask whatever question that pops into their head, and without any hesitation, receive answers straight from an AI tool. This will help to clarify concepts, " he added.

Kamakoti pointed out that AI, powered educational tools have the potential to greatly help students, parents, teachers, and policymakers by enhancing accessibility, personalization, and quality of learning.

The summit convened policymakers, scholars, and technology experts to discuss the use of AI in transforming India's education system.