Vadodara: Students in Gujarat tend to use generative AI tools like Grammarly more frequently to correct their grammar, spellings, and punctuation marks or to create posters, brochures, and presentations using tools like Canva compared to their counterparts in Assam in the eastern belt of the country.

In contrast, university students in Assam more often use Meta AI and ChatGPT compared to the university students in Gujarat. A study on the perceptions of university students from the Northeast and western region of India revealed how the usage of generative AI varies amongst students enrolled in higher education institutes in the two extreme corners of India. Interestingly, the study revealed that despite different usage patterns, 95% of students did not receive formal training on generative AI tools.

"The study was carried out to understand how students enrolled in higher education institutes perceive AI and their knowledge regarding the applications of generative AI in their academics," said Jigyasha Deka, who, as a master's student, completed the study under the guidance of Dr Varsha Parikh from the Department of Extension and Communication of M S University's Faculty of Family and Community Sciences.The research was conducted among 220 students from five departments of Faculty of Family and Community Sciences and the College of Community Science of Assam Agricultural University.

"The objective was to assess the generative AI usage pattern from the students of Gujarat and Assam and to assess the knowledge level regarding the application of generative AI in higher education among the students," Deka said. The study revealed that around as 96.8% of students in both states were highly aware and familiar with usage of generative AI tools. Almost 94.5% of students use generative AI in academic work, with ChatGPT being most popular.

Students primarily use generative AI for idea generation, homework, and information search (73.2%)."Most students (63.6%) used generative AI for over a year, learning through self-exploration and peer networks. Surprisingly, 95% of students did not receive formal training on generative AI tools. These findings highlight the growing reliance on generative AI in higher education and the need for structured training programmes," she said.The study showed the majority of students have a good understanding of generative AI. Categorised as "knowledgeable" — 64.1% — students fall in this category. However, 35.9% of students have a limited understanding of generative AI in higher education.The study recommends that higher education institutes should develop clear policies and guidelines on generative AI use, provide comprehensive training for students and staff, and address concerns around academic integrity and bias.

"By taking these steps, institutions can effectively integrate generative AI into curricula while ensuring fair learning opportunities," the study states."AI literacy, training, and ethical guidelines can enhance technology integration while addressing students' needs and concerns to ensure successful integration of generative AI tools in academics," the study states.INSET Guj banks on tie-ups,Assam govt on appVadodara: The study states that while the Gujarat govt has made efforts to improve artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities through strategic partnerships with prominent IT firms, while the Assam govt has established the Shiksha Setu App to promote communication in the educational sector. It highlights that the Gujarat govt has inked MoUs with IBM and Microsoft to build an AI cluster in Gujarat to promote innovation and collaboration in the financial technology sector by exploiting advanced AI technologies.

The app launched by the Assam govt, however, makes it easier to access instructional resources and manage attendance to increase school transparency and efficiency, which in turn is expected to improve student outcomes.