India AI Mission Calls for Global Case Studies on AI’s Real-World Impact in Education

The India AI Mission has opened a worldwide call for submissions showcasing how artificial intelligence is being used to solve real challenges in education. This initiative aims to gather practical examples from around the world—ranging from classroom tools and learning platforms to community-based AI interventions—to understand what is genuinely working for students and teachers. By inviting global participation, India hopes to build a strong knowledge base that can guide policy, innovation and future AI deployments in the education sector.

Instead of relying solely on theoretical frameworks or isolated pilot projects, the Mission is now seeking evidence of real-world impact—what students are gaining, how teachers are adapting and which AI tools are delivering meaningful improvements. For India, a country with diverse contexts and millions of learners, this initiative is important because it brings together insights that can shape inclusive, equitable and responsible AI integration. It also presents an opportunity for educators, researchers, start-ups and institutions worldwide to contribute to India’s evolving AI ecosystem.

What the India AI Mission Is Looking For

The call for submissions is open to educators, technologists, researchers, NGOs, start-ups and institutions working with AI in education.

The Mission is seeking examples that demonstrate:

Improvements in student learning outcomes
Support for teachers in planning or evaluation
Inclusion of disadvantaged or remote communities
Accessibility solutions for students with disabilities
AI use in personalised learning
Tools for early-grade literacy and numeracy
Administrative efficiency in schools
Reductions in student drop-out rates
Innovations that promote digital and AI literacy

The aim is to gather case studies that reflect real impact rather than theoretical potential.

Why This Initiative Matters for India

India is home to one of the world’s largest student populations, and integrating AI effectively requires an understanding of what works across different learning environments. The initiative matters because:

It helps India learn from global best practices
Policymakers gain access to tested models instead of unproven ideas
It encourages collaboration between international and Indian institutions
The insights will influence upcoming AI policies and educational reforms
It allows India to benchmark itself against global innovation trends

Most importantly, this step shows that India is prioritising responsible and evidence-based AI adoption.

Who Can Participate

The call is open to contributors from India and abroad, including:

Schools and universities
EdTech start-ups
AI researchers and developers
NGOs working in digital education
Government organisations
Independent educators or innovators

Submissions may include prototypes, pilot results, long-term studies or impact reports.

Areas of Impact to Be Highlighted

Participants are encouraged to focus on the specific outcomes of their AI interventions. This includes:

Learning Outcomes

How AI improved comprehension, retention or skill mastery.

Teacher Support

How AI helped reduce workload, improve assessments or enable personalised teaching.

Accessibility

How AI tools supported students with visual, hearing or cognitive challenges.

Equity

How underserved communities benefited, including rural and low-income groups.

Practical Implementation

Challenges faced, costs involved and lessons learned.

The goal is to collect examples that can be adapted or scaled in India’s education system.

How Submissions Will Be Used

The India AI Mission plans to:

Analyse submissions to identify successful models
Share insights with policymakers and educators
Create a resource library for institutions across the country
Use the findings to shape future AI-driven educational programmes
Encourage collaborations between India and global innovators

This could have long-term benefits for curriculum development, teacher training and digital infrastructure planning.

Maharashtra Mandates ‘Disha’ App in Special Schools to Standardise Special Education

In a significant move to strengthen education for students with intellectual disabilities, the state Department of Disability Welfare has announced that the ‘Disha’ app will now be compulsory in all special schools. The decision mandates the uniform adoption of the Disha special curriculum, digital learning portal, and assessment system across the state.

By making the platform mandatory, the department aims to ensure consistent teaching methods, standardised evaluations, and equal learning opportunities for students in special schools, irrespective of their location or the institution’s management. The move is expected to improve quality, accountability, and continuity in special education services statewide.

I am writing about this development because special education often suffers from uneven implementation and lack of standard benchmarks. When different schools follow different methods, students are the ones who lose out. Making a common digital curriculum and evaluation system mandatory is a significant policy shift. It directly affects students, teachers, parents, and school administrators, and signals the government’s intent to bring structure, accountability, and continuity into special education.

What Is the ‘Disha’ App and Curriculum

The Disha app is a specially designed digital platform developed for students with intellectual disabilities. It includes a structured curriculum, teaching tools, and an evaluation framework aligned with the learning needs of special children.

The platform helps teachers track student progress in a systematic way and ensures that learning goals are clearly defined and measurable.

Why the State Made Disha Mandatory

According to the disability welfare department, the lack of a uniform curriculum across special schools has led to gaps in learning outcomes. Some schools follow advanced methods, while others struggle with outdated practices.

Announcing the decision, Tukaram Mundhe, secretary of the disability welfare department, said the Disha system would help bring “uniformity and continuity into special education while supporting the overall development of students”.

How This Will Help Students

With the Disha system in place, students across the state will now follow a common learning structure suited to their abilities. This ensures smoother academic progression, especially for students who move between schools or districts.

Standardised evaluation will also help identify learning gaps early and provide targeted support.

Impact on Teachers and Special Schools

Teachers will now receive a clear framework for lesson planning, assessment, and reporting. This reduces confusion and improves teaching quality. Schools will also be accountable for following the prescribed curriculum and updating student progress on the portal.

While some schools may need time to adapt, the long-term goal is better coordination and quality control.

Concerns and Challenges on the Ground

Some educators have raised concerns about training, digital access, and infrastructure, especially in smaller or rural special schools. Successful implementation will depend on proper teacher training, technical support, and continuous monitoring by authorities.

Without these, the system risks becoming a formality rather than a meaningful reform.

Why Uniformity Matters in Special Education

Special education requires consistency more than flexibility. Students with intellectual disabilities benefit from structured routines, clear goals, and continuity in teaching methods. A common curriculum helps ensure that every child, irrespective of school, receives comparable support and opportunities.

This move aligns policy with actual learning needs.