Google Backs AI-enabled Learning in India With ₹85 Cr Grant, AI University

Google has unveiled a set of partnerships, funding commitments, and product launches aimed at accelerating responsible AI-powered learning across India, including an ₹85 crore grant to Wadhwani AI and a pilot to build the country’s first AI-enabled state university.

The announcements were made at the AI for Learning Forum in Delhi, where the company outlined its plans to embed AI across classrooms, vocational training and competitive exam preparation, while keeping teachers at the centre of the learning process.

A key pillar of the initiative is a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, to develop India’s first AI-enabled state university. 

Google also announced an ₹85 crore grant through its philanthropic arm, Google.org, to Wadhwani AI. The funding will be used to strengthen government-owned education platforms such as SWAYAM and the POSHAN Tracker, with the aim of reaching 75 million students and 1.8 million educators by December 2027. The initiative includes voice-based AI tools to support early reading fluency in 10 Indian languages and AI-powered English language coaching to improve job readiness.

On the product front, Google introduced full-length JEE Main practice tests within Gemini, using content from PhysicsWallah and Careers360. Students can receive instant feedback highlighting strengths and learning gaps, marking Google’s deeper push into high-stakes exam preparation. Additional learning features are also being rolled out in AI Mode in Search, enabling students to create structured study guides and interactive quizzes.

For educators, the company announced new tools in Google Classroom, including AI-assisted lesson planning, native audio and video feedback, AI usage insights, and workflow automation through Google Workspace Studio.

Google executives emphasised that the focus remains on “guided learning” rather than answer generation. Early findings from a randomised controlled study conducted by Google DeepMind with City Montessori School, Lucknow, and Fab AI showed that students use AI tools to build conceptual understanding instead of seeking shortcuts.

“By combining the human connection of teaching with research-backed AI principles, we want to ensure AI acts as a responsible equaliser,” said Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager, Google India, in a statement.

India currently leads global daily usage of Gemini for learning, Google said, reflecting growing adoption of multilingual and multimodal AI tools across students and teachers alike.