Artificial Intelligence, Equity, and School Transformation in India: A NEP 2020 Perspective

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in school education, and India is now moving toward a structured integration of AI tools within the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NEP 2020 emphasises the strategic use of technology to improve access, equity, quality, and learning outcomes, while official NCERT and Ministry of Education initiatives show that AI is being introduced through curriculum development, teacher training, digital platforms, and ethical guidance. This article examines how AI tools can support the integrated development of school education throughout India by strengthening pedagogy, assessment, teacher support, school administration, and inclusive learning. It also highlights the structural challenge of the digital divide, which remains a major barrier to equitable implementation, especially in rural and disadvantaged contexts. The article further argues that teacher learning communities are essential for building digital literacy and sustaining innovation at the school level. The study concludes that AI can contribute meaningfully to Indian school education only when it is implemented through a phased, ethical, inclusive, and teacher-centred approach aligned with NEP 2020.