Relevance for UPSC: Relevant for GS Paper III (Science & Technology – Awareness in AI and its Applications).

A global survey by the Pew Research Center covering 25 countries has found that India ranks lowest in public awareness about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Despite India’s rapid digital transformation and government focus on emerging technologies, only a small section of Indians claim to have substantial knowledge about AI.

Key Findings of the Survey

• Only 14% of Indian adults said they had “heard or read a lot” about AI, while another 32% had heard “a little.” Together, this 46% awareness level is the lowest among the 25 countries surveyed.
  
• Among young adults (18–34 years), only 19% reported significant awareness — the second lowest after Kenya.
  
• In contrast, countries such as Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom reported over 90% of respondents saying they were familiar with AI.
  
• Despite this low awareness, Indians showed the highest level of trust in their government’s ability to regulate AI effectively, with nearly 89% expressing confidence.
  

Understanding the Awareness Gap

1. Economic and Educational Divide: The survey revealed a clear link between GDP per capita and AI awareness. High-income countries, with better education systems and technology access, show higher awareness levels. In contrast, developing nations like India still face digital literacy gaps, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
   
2. Limited AI Exposure in Daily Life: While AI is increasingly used in smartphones, e-commerce, and banking, many Indians are unaware of these technologies operating in the background. This lack of visible interaction has kept public understanding low.
   
3. Young Population, Low Awareness: India has one of the youngest populations in the world, but limited exposure to STEM education, AI ethics, and technological literacy in schools means that even younger citizens remain underinformed.
   
4. Trust versus Knowledge Paradox:  Interestingly, while awareness is low, public trust in government regulation of AI is among the highest globally. This suggests that Indians view technology regulation as a government responsibility rather than a citizen concern — a mindset that limits informed public participation in tech policymaking.
   

Implications for India

India’s AI ambitions are growing — from initiatives like AI for All, National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NITI Aayog), and IndiaAI Mission, to the widespread use of AI in healthcare, agriculture, and education. However, these efforts risk leaving behind large segments of the population if AI literacy does not keep pace.

Low awareness can have tangible effects:

• Citizens may not fully understand issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, or AI ethics.
  
• Limited knowledge can hinder the adoption of AI tools in small businesses and rural governance.
  
• Without public understanding, AI regulation may lack accountability and inclusiveness.
  

Steps Needed to Bridge the Gap

1. Integrate AI Education: Introduce AI and digital literacy modules in school and college curricula under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) framework.
   
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Use platforms like MyGov, Digital India, and Doordarshan to promote easy-to-understand AI awareness programs in regional languages.
   
3. Skill Development Initiatives: Expand programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Skill India to include AI and data analytics training, ensuring rural youth are not left behind.
   
4. Responsible Regulation: Encourage transparent governance under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) and upcoming AI ethics frameworks, ensuring that citizens are aware of their digital rights.
   

Important Terms

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of machines to mimic human intelligence, perform problem-solving, and learn from data.
   
2. Digital Literacy: The capacity to use digital tools and platforms safely, effectively, and responsibly.
   
3. Algorithmic Bias: The tendency of AI systems to make unfair decisions due to biased data or design flaws.
   
4. GDP per Capita: The total economic output of a country divided by its population; a measure of average income and standard of living.
   
5. AI for All Initiative: A government program launched to promote inclusive AI awareness and adoption across sectors and social groups.
   
6. AI Ethics: Moral principles guiding the responsible use of AI technologies to avoid harm and ensure fairness.
   

Key Takeaways

• India has the lowest AI awareness among 25 surveyed nations, with only 14% having substantial knowledge.
  
• Awareness gaps are highest among young adults — highlighting weaknesses in education and outreach.
  
• While Indians show high trust in government regulation, they lag in understanding how AI impacts daily life.
  
• Bridging this gap is vital for inclusive digital growth and for ensuring citizens are active participants in the AI-driven future.
  

One-Line Wrap:
India’s AI revolution is gaining speed, but true progress will depend on how quickly its people learn to understand, trust, and responsibly use this transformative technology.

UPSC Mains Question:
Despite being a leader in digital innovation, India ranks low in public awareness of Artificial Intelligence. Discuss the implications of this gap and suggest ways to promote AI literacy.