AI boosts creativity, accelerates problem-solving, drives productivity

Dr Manoj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of DAV University, explains how AI is reshaping education and why students must embrace it to stay ahead.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a holistic, multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach to life-long learning. A core component of this vision is integrating cutting-edge technological tools, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), into teaching and research. AI presents both vast opportunities and challenges, with its growing influence now transforming industries, including higher education.

AI’s potential to disrupt and innovate is becoming increasingly clear, especially with widespread applications like ChatGPT, BingChat and other AI-driven platforms. These tools are not just futuristic ideas—they’re already enhancing learning experiences, advancing research, fostering innovation and tackling long-standing challenges in education.

Dr Manoj Kumar underscores that AI is not a distant future but a present reality. Just as students once learned Microsoft Office, today’s learners must master AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, along with coding assistants such as GitHub Copilot and Tabnine. Proficiency in prompting AI will soon be as fundamental as composing an email or creating a presentation.

AI enhances creativity, accelerates problem-solving and boosts productivity. Limiting student access to AI tools does not safeguard education—it limits potential. As industries evolve, so must education. Without this evolution, we risk leaving the next generation behind.

One of AI’s most significant contributions is its ability to provide personalised education. In classrooms where low teacher-to-student ratios make individual attention scarce, AI-powered systems can tailor learning experiences to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, improving outcomes.

In research and innovation, AI’s capabilities are profound. By analysing large datasets, AI enables evidence-based decision-making and accelerates breakthroughs across disciplines. AI’s ability to uncover hidden patterns and insights that humans may miss is helping to push the boundaries of knowledge.

AI also offers administrative benefits, streamlining tasks like attendance tracking and record-keeping through automation. With biometric authentication and AI systems, universities can reduce human error and improve efficiency.

However, the integration of AI into education also raises concerns, particularly around data privacy and ethical use. As educational institutions adopt AI, they must also teach students about the responsible use of this powerful technology.

DAV University, Jalandhar, is collaborating with IIT Mandi, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Masai School to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Through this partnership, students in engineering, sciences and computer applications can pursue a minor in Artificial Intelligence from IIT Mandi, earning 18 credits over three semesters. Business Management and Commerce students can opt for a minor in Business Analytics, gaining the same number of credits.