Indian students worry AI aids speed but weakens deep learning, HP survey shows

Indian students are embracing artificial intelligence faster than many of their global peers, but they are increasingly worried that rapid-fire automated answers come at the expense of genuine understanding.

According to the HP Futures 2026 survey released in the United Kingdom, young learners in India report that while AI tools help them finish tasks quickly, the technology often bypasses the cognitive effort required to absorb subjects in depth. In response, 82% of the 758 Indian students surveyed said they deliberately turn back to analogue methods—such as writing out notes by hand or printing physical pages—whenever they need to retain complex information.

High confidence in India's education and career future

Despite worries over cognitive shortcutting, Indian learners stand out internationally for their optimism about the country’s technological trajectory and job market. Rather than fearing automation, young Indians view AI as an indispensable workplace asset that complements foundational human capabilities.

An overwhelming 92% of respondents stated that their current education is effectively preparing them for the modern workplace. Furthermore, nearly four out of five—78%—expect AI to create more professional opportunities in India than it eliminates, reflecting strong trust in the nation's economic momentum and skill-building initiatives.

Balancing automation with enduring skills

Mayank Dhingra, senior director and global head of education business and strategy at HP, pointed out that Indian youth recognise both the productivity gains and the intellectual trade-offs of generative tools. "Most strikingly, Indian students warned that while they feel AI-confident and AI is helping them to work faster, they are concerned that they are not learning material as deeply," Dhingra said, noting that student experiences must inform how modern curricula and evaluation frameworks are updated.

The global initiative—conducted across more than 6,000 students worldwide alongside the Global Learning Council and the Education Leaders Forum—also consulted 58 leaders across policy, education, and industry. David McQuarrie, chief commercial officer at HP and chair of HP Futures, stressed that the burden falls on institutional leaders to build resilience.

"As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we learn and work, that responsibility has never been more important," McQuarrie said, arguing that school systems must focus on strengthening abilities that remain valuable no matter how digital tools evolve.

Recommendations for policymakers

The report urged Indian and international education authorities to establish firm roadmaps that cultivate durable human skills—including critical reasoning, creativity, literacy, and numeracy. Rather than treating these aptitudes as secondary or extracurricular activities, the survey's authors recommended embedding hands-on, practical learning into core academic requirements so students develop foundational knowledge and technological fluency in tandem.