“Artificial Intelligence, Education 4.0 and Learning Transformation: Advancing Educational Outcomes under NEP 2020 in India”

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the framework of Education 4.0 and examines its role in advancing the transformative objectives of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The primary aim of the research is to assess the extent of AI adoption across educational institutions and to analyze its impact on personalized learning, instructional efficiency and institutional preparedness for technology-enabled education. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative survey data collected from 180 respondents including students, teachers and academic administrators with qualitative insights derived from semi-structured interviews to capture experiential perspectives and implementation challenges associated with AI-enabled learning environments. Quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression techniques indicates a high level of AI adoption (mean = 4.1), substantial enhancement in personalized learning experiences (mean = 4.0) and notable improvements in teaching efficiency (mean = 3.9). The findings further reveal a moderate positive correlation between AI usage and personalized learning outcomes (r = 0.61), while regression analysis demonstrates a statistically significant impact of AI-driven practices on learning personalization (β = 0.47, p < .01), thereby confirming the effectiveness of AI-supported pedagogical innovation. Complementing these results, qualitative findings highlight increased learner engagement and reduced instructional workload, alongside persistent challenges related to infrastructural limitations, digital inequities and the need for sustained teacher training. Overall, the study concludes that the integration of AI significantly strengthens the vision of Education 4.0 and supports the pedagogical and institutional reforms envisaged under NEP 2020. At the same time, it underscores the necessity of ensuring equitable digital readiness, continuous capacity building and ethically responsible deployment of AI technologies to achieve inclusive and sustainable improvements in learning outcomes.