Is Artificial Intelligence a Boon or a Challenge for Higher Education Students? A Study on Usage Patterns and Academic Impact

Journal
Original Article International Journal of Science and Consciousness
Access online at: www.ijsc.in Dec. 2025, 11(4), 45 – 51
Is Artificial Intelligence a Boon or a Challenge for
Higher Education Students? A Study on
Usage Patterns and Academic Impact
Sachin Kumar
Assistant Professor, Motherhood University, Roorkee
Email: sachinkumar.bgiet@gmail.com, Mob.: 9536587033
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape higher education in India and globally, presenting both
transformative boons and persistent challenges for students as of 2025. This paper, based solely on
secondary data up to 2025, examines AI's usage patterns and academic impacts, with a focused lens on
Indian higher education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Drawing from recent sources
like AICTE's 2025 Annual Report, UNESCO's 2024 AI in Education Update, and World Bank 2024
analyses, the study highlights AI's integration in over 1,000 Indian universities.
Findings show that 75% of Indian higher education students now use AI tools like adaptive platforms
(e.g., BYJU'S AI modules) and generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT), boosting personalized learning and
academic outcomes by 25-35% in urban institutions like IITs (AICTE, 2025). Usage patterns indicate
heavy reliance for research (40%) and virtual tutoring (30%), accelerated by post-COVID digital shifts,
enabling remote access for 60 million students (Government of India, 2024). However, challenges
persist: plagiarism via AI has surged 50% in 2024-2025 submissions (UGC, 2025), while the digital
divide excludes 40% of rural students in states like Uttar Pradesh, widening inequities (World Bank,
2024). In Agra's higher education hubs, limited infrastructure hampers adoption, per regional surveys
(Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Department, 2024).
The COVID-19 case study, extended to 2025 recovery data, shows AI's boon in sustaining education
during lockdowns but challenges in mental health (15% increase in screen fatigue) and bias
amplification (UNESCO, 2024). Theoretically, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) explains
adoption, with perceived usefulness driving boons amid rising risks (Davis, 1989; updated applications
in Sharma, 2025).
Objectives cover usage analysis, performance assessment, challenge evaluation, and institutional
strategies. Research questions probe patterns, impacts, equity, and mitigation in Indian contexts. Data
tables from 2024-2025 sources reveal a net boon in urban India but challenges in rural areas. Institutions
should prioritize AI ethics under NEP 2020 and equitable access to balance benefits. As of 2025, AI is a
boon for innovation in Indian higher education but a challenge demanding policy reforms for
inclusivity.