75% of Indian Students Want AI Education to Tackle Job Fears

75% of Indian Students Want AI Education to Tackle Job Fears

Picture this: a group of students huddled around a table, their faces lit up by the glow of their laptops. They’re discussing their future careers, but instead of excitement, there’s a palpable tension in the air. Why? Because they’re worried about artificial intelligence (AI) taking over their jobs. A recent report from BrightCHAMPS, an edtech platform, reveals that 38% of Indian students are feeling the heat when it comes to job security in an AI-driven world.

But here’s the kicker: while they’re anxious, they’re also proactive. A whopping 75% of these students believe that AI education should be a part of their school curriculum. This isn’t just a casual suggestion; it’s a demand for the skills they need to navigate a rapidly changing job landscape. It’s like they’re standing at a crossroads, ready to embrace the future but needing the right tools to do so.

The #StudentsSpeakAI report surveyed 1,425 students across 29 countries, and the results are eye-opening. Indian students are slightly more worried than their global peers, with 38% expressing concerns about job security compared to the global average of 36%. This anxiety stems from fears of job displacement and uncertainty about which skills will still matter in a world increasingly dominated by automation.

Now, let’s talk about their relationship with AI. A surprising 63% of Indian students regularly use AI tools, with ChatGPT being their go-to. But here’s the catch: only 10% feel confident in their understanding of AI. That’s like having a fancy smartphone but not knowing how to use half its features. And when it comes to spotting fake news or AI-generated content, about half of them admit they struggle to tell what’s real and what’s not. It’s a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right?

So, what’s being done about this? The Indian education system is starting to take notice. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has already recognized the importance of tech skills, suggesting that subjects like AI and coding should be taught from middle school onwards. Following this, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out AI as a skill subject for grades IX to XII and even introduced it as a foundational module for Class VIII. It’s like they’re finally catching up to the times!

And guess what? Nearly 800,000 students are set to enroll in AI courses for the 2024-25 academic year. That’s a huge leap! But, of course, there are hurdles to overcome. We need more trained teachers, better digital infrastructure, and a curriculum that can keep up with the fast pace of AI advancements. Edtech platforms are stepping in to fill the gaps, offering courses in AI, robotics, and other next-gen skills to meet the rising demand from students and parents alike.

But wait, there’s more! The concerns of these students reflect a bigger picture of what AI means for India’s economy. Industry reports, like those from NASSCOM, show that jobs in AI and machine learning are among the hottest in the tech sector. It’s a goldmine of opportunity! However, the flip side is that many routine jobs are at risk of being automated, leading to a workforce that’s divided between high-tech roles and those that might become obsolete.

This “double-edged sword” scenario means that while some jobs will disappear, new ones requiring a mix of technical and soft skills will emerge. Industry experts suggest that instead of mass layoffs, we might see a redefinition of existing roles, which will require a lot of reskilling and upskilling. NASSCOM highlights that the tech services industry is undergoing a “human-centric productivity revolution,” where AI enhances roles rather than eliminates them. It’s like a dance—AI leads, but humans still have to keep up!

At the end of the day, the worries of 38% of Indian students are a wake-up call for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders. It highlights a gap between the rapid pace of technological change and the current state of education. Sure, the government has laid down some policies, but students are asking for more concrete action in the classroom. Their anxiety could be the spark that ignites change. By addressing their concerns and pushing for relevant, future-focused education, India can turn this anxiety into ambition. Empowering its youth with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world is crucial for securing India’s place as a global tech leader.