Students Debate Opportunities and Challenges of AI in Education at Sihora College

Sihora, October 6, 2026: A debate competition on “Use of AI in Education” was organised at Government Shyam Sundar Agrawal PG College, Sihora, Jabalpur, bringing students together to deliberate on the opportunities, risks and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence in the education sector.

The debate witnessed active participation from students who presented arguments both in favour of and against the growing use of AI in education. Participants supporting the motion argued that AI can make education more accessible, personalised and learner-centric. They highlighted its potential to assist students in understanding complex concepts, accessing learning resources, improving language skills, developing presentations and undertaking academic projects. Emphasising the need for constructive engagement with emerging technology, participants argued that “AI should be used creatively in education.” They maintained that AI should not be viewed as a replacement for teachers or independent learning, but as a tool that can supplement the teaching-learning process. One participant observed that “AI is not making us its slaves; rather, we are making ourselves slaves to AI,” drawing attention to the distinction between responsible use and technological dependence.

Another important argument in favour of AI was linked to India's technological ambitions. Participants maintained that proficiency in emerging technologies, including AI, would be essential for building a technologically capable and self-reliant India. At the same time, they stressed that technological literacy must be accompanied by critical thinking and ethical awareness.

Those speaking against the motion cautioned against excessive dependence on AI. They argued that habitual reliance on AI-generated answers could weaken students' independent thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities and inclination towards self-study. Participants also raised concerns regarding academic integrity, plagiarism, inaccurate or fabricated information, data privacy and the possibility of widening the digital divide between students with unequal access to technology. They emphasised that education is not merely the acquisition of information. It also involves developing judgement, imagination, values, emotional intelligence and social responsibility—areas in which human interaction and the role of teachers remain indispensable. According to the participants, therefore, the objective should not be to keep students away from AI, but to equip them with the ability to use it responsibly, critically and ethically.

The event was chaired by Dr Sudesh Mehrolia. The competition was judged by Dr Anjali Mandway, Dr Sandeep Kurmi and Dr Rahul Sharma. Ms Princy Sinha played an important role in the organisation of the programme.

Addressing the participants, Dr Sudesh Mehrolia observed that although AI has considerable potential in education, its excessive use could narrow the scope of human thinking and intellectual engagement. He stressed the need to maintain a balance between technological assistance and human intellectual capabilities, adding that technology should expand human potential rather than replace the capacity to think and make independent judgements. Judge Dr Rahul Sharma emphasised the importance of presenting scientific, evidence-based and authentic arguments in a debate. He advised the participants to substantiate their views with reliable facts and examples and, importantly, to remain focused on the subject rather than digressing from the central theme.

The debate provided students with an opportunity to engage critically with one of the most significant technological developments shaping contemporary education. The discussion ultimately highlighted that the central question is not whether AI should be accepted or rejected in education, but how it can be used in a balanced, creative, ethical and human-centred manner.