“AI is helping to improve education in India by making learning more personalised, democratic, accessible, and inclusive. Advanced technologies like AI make it easier to understand and grasp concepts through virtual modelling and visualisation, resulting in better engagement with the content and retention. With the proliferation of digital infrastructure and connectivity across the country, the gap between urban and rural education ecosystems and accessibility is reducing. Also, AI helps in teacher training and introducing new pedagogies improving content and delivery.”This was stated by Sanjeev Banzal, Director General, Education and Research Network (ERNET) India, in conversation with ETGovernment’s Adarsh Som.
Edited excerpts:
What are the major challenges that you see in technology deployment in the education sector?
Deploying technology in remote areas has its own set of challenges. These range from geographical limitations, and logistical challenges to the lack of apt infrastructure, operational challenges, unavailability of long-term technical support, and so on. Besides, issues like low digital literacy, skill gap, and unawareness about data privacy and security, further weigh on the challenges in the effective deployment of projects.
ERNET India is involved in deploying and implementing technology solutions, primarily in the education sector. Our major focus is to bridge the digital divide in rural and inaccessible areas of our country through robust IT and connectivity solutions. Despite the setbacks, we have effectively implemented ICT solutions to improve access to education and enhanced learning through strategic planning, training programs, effective communication, collaboration, and innovative solutions.
What are some notable ICT implementations from ERNET for educational institutions pan-India?
ERNET India has implemented numerous ICT solutions for institutions in the country. Under the Tele Education Project, we have commissioned Smart Virtual Classroom (SVC) Infrastructure in over 3,250 classrooms for more than 50 District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) across nine states. We have achieved an award-winning feat by deploying e-classroom infrastructure in government medical colleges under the National Medical College Network (NMCN) project. For this feat, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) conferred ERNET India with the accolade. We executed the project in 50 medical colleges across 25 states and four union territories.
In addition, ERNET India also operates a satellite-based VSAT network in C-band to provide connectivity to government-led education and research institutions that are remotely located across the country and do not have reliable connectivity in their region. The VSAT network stays unaffected in poor weather conditions like rain making it highly reliable and capable of providing continuous uptime. The network provides seamless communication and connectivity, almost year-long, even in difficult terrains and far-flung areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and the North Eastern states of India.
Moreover, we successfully deployed the Free Space Optics (FSOC) link in Nagaland establishing a seamless high-speed connectivity between Kohima Secretariat and Kohima Science College. The FSOC is an optical communication technology that transmits data through an invisible, high-intensity beam of light. It leverages Near Infrared at a wavelength of 1550nm and a frequency of about ~2×1014 Hz.
We are enabling Intelligent Educational Infrastructure (SMART) at Eklavya Model Residential Schools while providing internet connectivity to foster the growth and development of tribal students and bridging the digital divide through our technology deployments.
How is AI playing a key role in empowering education in India?
AI is helping to improve education in India by making learning more personalised, democratic, accessible, and inclusive. Advanced technologies like AI make it easier to understand and grasp concepts through virtual modelling and visualisation, resulting in better engagement with the content and retention. With the proliferation of digital infrastructure and connectivity across the country, the gap between urban and rural education ecosystems and accessibility is reducing. Also, AI helps in teacher training and introducing new pedagogies improving content and delivery.
ERNET’s web portal domain registration was launched in Jan 2024 by Secretary, MeitY. How have you been faring on that front?
ERNET India is an exclusive registrar for domain name registration concerning education and research facilities under the .in registry. Since 2005 we have registered third-level domain names like ac.in, edu.in, res.in, विदया. भारत, शिक्षा.भारत, and शोध.भारत under the .in registry.
At present, ERNET India has more than 18,000 domains on its web registration portal. To provide quality services to our domain users, we have developed an integrated domain portal and integrated online payment, DNS services, and other offerings like Website-as-a-Service, (WaaS) and Learning Management-as-a-Service (LMaaS). Besides, any domain user can create their customised website and LMS portal with few clicks and minimal technical expertise. Also, we provide web-hosting infrastructure on the cloud and web hosting-as-a-service on both sharing and dedicated modes to various academic, research institutions, and government departments.
What are critical areas in education, especially in the government domain, and how is the private sector enabling the government ecosystem?
The Indian education system, particularly within the government domain, faces some critical challenges. Government departments need to improve some key areas such as the availability of proper infrastructure, providing quality education, training and development programs, connectivity issues, access to equal opportunities, and more.
The private sector companies, especially startups working in sectors like AI, are coming up with advanced solutions/services for the education system. The government encourages the deployment of such solutions and collaborates with the private sector to leverage their expertise in functional areas like e-learning, skill development, AI adoption, and digital governance.
Undoubtedly, technology companies are playing a crucial role in transforming India’s education system by enhancing infrastructure, quality, and accessibility. IT firms also support skill development programs in emerging technologies, aligning education with industry needs. Through AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity initiatives, they help modernise education management while ensuring data privacy. Moreover, public-private partnerships (PPPs) enable advanced facilities and capacity-building for educators, while EdTech innovations personalise learning experiences. These efforts complement government initiatives, making education more inclusive, tech-driven, and future-ready.
How do you see the future of the Indian education sector shaping up in the coming decade?
The education sector in the coming decade is poised for transformative changes, driven by rapid technology advancement, evolving learning needs, and global trends. This transformation has the potential to reshape the landscape of education in India. Some trends that will impact the education sector include:-
Personalised learning: With the increasing adoption of AI, Virtual Reality (VR), and other emerging technologies, education will become more personalised and accessible. AI-powered tools will allow for tailored learning experiences, where students can learn at their own pace, receive immediate feedback, and focus on their areas of interest.
Expansion of digital education and hybrid models: By harnessing digital platforms, India has the potential to offer quality education to students in rural and remote areas, bridging the educational divide. Expanding access to quality online education and providing skill development opportunities through digital means could make India a global hub for accessible and inclusive learning.
Emphasis on skills-based education: The future of education will increasingly focus on upskilling, especially in technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving. India’s large youth population offers immense potential for leveraging this demographic dividend by offering skills-based education aligned with the demands of the modern workforce.
Focus on research and innovation: A strong education system also requires a robust research ecosystem. India’s investments in research and development will play a crucial role in driving innovation and thought leadership in education. By strengthening higher education institutions and encouraging interdisciplinary research, India can foster a culture of innovation that helps solve global challenges and contributes to the body of knowledge worldwide.
