AI SHAPING: THE FUTURE OF ECONOMICS AND TRADE (ISBN: 978-93-49468-69-6)

Bridging the Educational Divide through Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Inclusive Education for Rural and Underprivileged Children in India

Author: Dr. Amrita Kumari

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool for reducing educational inequality and promoting inclusive education among rural and underprivileged children in India. The present study examines the role of AI-based educational technologies in improving digital accessibility, learning outcomes, and educational participation in underserved communities. The study is based on secondary data collected from ASER 2024, Ministry of Education reports, UNESCO statistics, and India AI Mission documents. The findings reveal significant disparities between urban and rural educational accessibility. Internet access is available to only 24% of rural households compared to 66% in urban areas, while AI-based learning usage among rural students remains limited to 27% against 58% in urban regions. Similarly, only 33% of rural schools possess smart classroom facilities, and merely 42% of rural teachers are trained in AI tools. Despite these challenges, AI-supported educational systems have shown positive outcomes in improving student engagement, personalized learning, and reducing dropout rates. Government initiatives such as NEP 2020, DIKSHA, PM eVidya, and the India AI Mission are playing an important role in expanding technology-enabled education across remote regions. The study concludes that strengthening digital infrastructure, affordable internet access, localized educational content, and teacher training is essential for achieving equitable and sustainable AI-driven education in India.

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