Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword, it’s becoming an important part of how education is delivered, especially in Indian higher education institutions (HEIs). A new report by Ernst & Young-Parthenon, in collaboration with FICCI, reveals that a significant number of HEIs across India are not just experimenting with AI – they’re actively integrating it into classrooms, campuses, and curricula.

The report, titled Future-Ready Campuses: Unlocking the Power of AI in Higher Education, is based on a survey of 30 leading HEIs across India. It explores how universities and colleges are utilising AI in teaching, learning, administration, and governance.

Highlights of the report

60%+ of institutions allow students to use AI tools

Students are increasingly allowed (and sometimes encouraged) to use tools such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and other generative AI platforms to support their learning. This marks a major shift in the mindset around AI – from concern over misuse to viewing it as a legitimate academic aid.

50%+ use generative AI to create learning materials

More than half of the surveyed institutions use AI to generate lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and other instructional content. This not only saves time but also allows educators to tailor materials more effectively to student needs.

The report identifies several areas where AI is being deployed across campuses:

Teaching & Learning

AI is being used to create personalized learning experiences, recommend content, and even power smart tutoring systems that help students at an individual level.

Curriculum Design

Institutions are leveraging AI to align their courses with real-time industry demands, using data to ensure students graduate with in-demand skills.

Faculty Development

Recognizing that educators must adapt, many institutions are rolling out AI training programmes to help faculty integrate these tools into their teaching strategies.

Campus Operations

AI is automating routine administrative processes – from admissions and grading to student support and facilities management – making campus life smoother for everyone.

Governance & Decision-Making

AI-powered dashboards and data analytics are helping university leadership make smarter, faster, and more data-driven decisions.

The Missing Piece: AI Policies

While adoption is on the rise, the report also notes a critical gap: most institutions lack formal policies or ethical frameworks to guide responsible AI use. As AI continues to evolve, having clear governance will be essential to ensure fair, transparent, and accountable implementation.

The report indicates a major turning point in Indian higher education. AI is no longer just an optional innovation – it’s becoming foundational to how institutions operate and how students learn. The focus now needs to shift toward responsible integration, faculty upskilling, and policy development.

As India aims to become a global education hub, leveraging AI smartly and ethically could be the key to unlocking its full potential. AI won’t replace educators – but educators who use AI might just outpace those who don’t. Indian HEIs are clearly getting the message.