English today is more than a subject—it is the language of opportunity, growth, and professional mobility. Proficiency in English enables individuals to access higher education, secure better employment, and participate more confidently in an increasingly globalized economy. For millions of learners across India, mastering English is not just about communication; it is a gateway to empowerment and social advancement.
AI-powered learning is also driving equity and inclusion. Historically, access to quality English education was limited by geography, teacher availability, and cost. With digital tools, these barriers are dissolving.
Despite its importance, English learning in India has long faced persistent challenges. While there have been islands of excellence—particularly in private schools and select programs—high-quality, affordable English education at scale has remained elusive. Traditional classroom methods have often struggled to engage every student or cater to their varied levels of proficiency. As a result, many learners complete years of schooling without developing the confidence or fluency they need to succeed in higher studies or the workplace.
Today, this picture is changing rapidly. Advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have made it possible to deliver high-quality, personalized English learning experiences to every student, regardless of geography or background. With just a device, a connection, and a login, learners can now access digital programs that adapt to their needs, pace, and progress. These AI-powered tools assess each student’s proficiency and create individualized learning pathways. They provide instant and granular feedback on engagement and progress. This independent learning is not isolated; it is closely aligned with what is taught in school. The curriculum, activities, and assessments on these digital platforms reinforce classroom lessons, helping students build stronger foundations and retain what they learn.
For students, the system offers a safe, non-judgmental space to practice endlessly—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—until they gain mastery over comprehension, pronunciation, and fluency.
Of course, there are no shortcuts to language learning. Just like mastering tennis requires endless practice, so does mastering language skills. While technology enables personalization and access, teachers remain at the heart of the process. They play a vital role in establishing learning habits, motivating students, and contextualizing what AI delivers. Teachers can see where each student is excelling or struggling, allowing them to provide targeted support during classroom instruction. The blended model—where technology and teachers work in harmony—has emerged as one of the most powerful approaches to building foundational English skills.
AI-powered learning is also driving equity and inclusion. Historically, access to quality English education was limited by geography, teacher availability, and cost. With digital tools, these barriers are dissolving. Learners in remote areas can now access the same rich, interactive lessons as their peers in urban schools. Multilingual support and voice-based features make learning accessible to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This democratization of learning ensures that every child—regardless of background—has an equal opportunity to build the English skills needed for success.
Equally important, this model allows learning outcomes to be measured comprehensively and transparently. AI systems generate real-time data on student progress, making it possible to evaluate impact not just at the individual level but across schools, districts, and even entire states. For educators and policymakers, this visibility represents a powerful step forward in ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Guest author Deepak Verma is the CEO of EnglishHelper, an edtech company that helps people improve their English using AI-powered tools. Any opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author.
