AI in India: Education, Skilling, and the Rise of Human Skills

A recent panel discussion at the Fortune India 40 Under 40 2026 event explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India’s education and skilling sectors. Industry leaders convened to analyze the advancements of the National Education Policy and emerging trends across the nation.

Examining AI’s Educational Impact

The ‘Reimagining Education & Skilling’ discussion highlighted how AI is reshaping learning landscapes. Panelists focused on several critical areas of development within India’s educational framework.

• The ongoing progress of the National Education Policy.
• Burgeoning trends in entrepreneurship across various sectors.
• Innovations within early childhood education.
• The evolution and importance of vocational skilling initiatives.

A central tenet emphasized throughout the discussion was the increasing value of distinct human capabilities. These attributes are projected to become even more crucial in a future increasingly dominated by AI technologies.

• Cultivating creativity and innovative thinking.
• Developing sound judgment for complex decision-making.
• Fostering empathy and interpersonal understanding.

Insights from Industry Leaders

The panel featured prominent voices from across the education and corporate sectors, providing diverse perspectives on these shifts. The discussion was expertly guided by V Keshavdev, Executive Editor of Fortune India.

• Siddhant Sachdeva, Co-Founder of Rocket Learning.
• Siddharth Shahani, Co-Founder & Executive President of ATLAS SkillTech University.
• Anuradha Suvarna, Chief Sustainability Officer & Head CSR at L’Oréal India.

These collective insights underscored that AI functions not merely as an automation tool, but as a significant catalyst. It is actively redefining the necessary skills for future success, emphasizing the need to integrate technological advancements with the cultivation of essential human attributes for India’s workforce.