Future-Ready Campuses: Over Half of HEIs Embrace AI and Generative Tools

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the higher education landscape in India, offering students unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning, skill development, and employability. A landmark report by EY-Parthenon in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) — “Future-Ready Campuses: Unlocking the Power of AI in Higher Education” — reveals that over 56% of Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have implemented AI-related policies, while 60% have enabled students to actively use AI tools, including generative AI applications, for learning and research.

Based on a survey of 30 leading Indian HEIs, the report sheds light on how AI integration is reshaping teaching, learning, and campus operations, with students emerging as the primary beneficiaries of this digital revolution.

AI Adoption Trends Reshaping Student Experiences

The EY–Parthenon–FICCI findings highlight the growing role of AI in enhancing student learning and engagement:

• 53% of HEIs leverage generative AI to develop customized learning materials that adapt to individual student needs.
• 40% of institutions have deployed AI-powered tutoring systems and chatbots to provide instant academic support.
• 39% use adaptive learning platforms that tailor content according to student performance.
• 38% employ AI for automated grading and feedback, allowing faculty to focus on mentorship and advanced instruction.

For students, these innovations mean more interactive classrooms, personalized learning pathways, faster access to feedback, and enhanced research capabilities. By engaging with generative AI tools, students are also developing critical problem-solving skills and preparing for AI-driven careers across industries.

Building Future-Ready, AI-Literate Graduates

The report emphasizes that AI integration is not merely a technological upgrade but a shift toward student-centered learning ecosystems. Embedding AI literacy into curricula equips students with essential skills for the future workforce, including data interpretation, critical thinking, and ethical AI usage.

“To unlock the full potential of AI, India must move beyond experimentation to scale — by integrating AI tools across teaching and campus operations, embedding AI literacy across subjects, investing in robust digital infrastructure, and strengthening faculty capacity and governance frameworks,” said Dr. Avantika Tomar, Partner and Education Sector Leader, EY-Parthenon India.
“These steps will help position India’s higher education system at the forefront of AI-enabled knowledge and innovation worldwide.”

Challenges and the Need for an AI-Ready Framework

Despite rapid adoption, the report notes uneven progress in technology infrastructure, faculty readiness, and governance, which could limit AI’s full potential. Risks include fragmented adoption and threats to academic integrity if usage is not guided by clear policies.

The report calls for a coherent AI-ready framework for Indian HEIs, including:

• Classroom and institutional policies for responsible AI use
• Continuous faculty training for effective AI integration
• Strategic public–private partnerships to scale research and innovation
• Investment in digital infrastructure for equitable access

A Roadmap for Student-Centric AI Integration

The EY–Parthenon–FICCI report outlines a phased approach to ensure every student benefits from AI-driven learning:

1. Personalized AI learning systems for improved comprehension and retention
2. AI-enabled career guidance and mentorship connecting students to real-world opportunities
3. Data-driven learning analytics to identify gaps early
4. Collaborative AI projects and hackathons fostering innovation and teamwork

By combining technology, policy, and faculty development, India’s HEIs can create inclusive, innovation-driven education ecosystems that prepare students to thrive in a global AI-powered economy.

Report Insights: Paving the Way for AI-Driven Campuses

“Future-Ready Campuses: Unlocking the Power of AI in Higher Education”, developed by EY-Parthenon and FICCI, introduces a diagnostic maturity model and actionable roadmap for accelerating AI adoption in academia. The report urges stakeholders to adopt a national vision for AI-enabled higher education, ensuring students have equitable, ethical, and future-ready learning opportunities.

With deliberate action, strategic collaboration, and robust policy frameworks, India’s higher education system is poised to lead globally in AI-driven education and student empowerment.