Can AI Replace Teachers? Experts Say ‘Focus on AI for Teachers, Not AI Instead of Teachers’

May 11, 2025 | New Delhi — While Amrit Kaal is ushering in a new digital age in India, educators are asking Will AI be able to replace educators in Indian classrooms? To the surprise of leading experts though, the answer is a stern no, but more a call to integrate AI–not as a substitute, but a supportive tool.
Contents
What’s Driving This Discussion Now?
The introduction of NEP 2020 has brought forth a paradigm shift that Indian education system undergoes—principle-centered, compassionate operative deep-structure focusing on critical thinking, foundational literacy, as well as inclusive equity.
There exists a growing use of AI to enhance personalized learning, administration, and content delivery systems. Yet, the article–written by Chair Person Edu Pankaj Arora, National Council for Teacher Education argues that nothing can replace the human presence of a teacher.
Artificial Intelligence Classroom Applications
AI systems can operate as teaching aides by offering feedback, customizing content, analyzing data, and providing learning insights. They can help lessen administrative burdens and overcome multilingual barriers in rural, underserved, or multilingual Indian classrooms.
But, the article emphasizes, the work must be understood as “AI for teachers” and not “AI instead of teachers.”
From Information Employees to Guidance Counselors
One strong quotation from the article sums it up:
“The teacher is not the one who gives answers out of books, but the one who makes you want to ask questions.”
This also resonates with the aims of NEP 2020—fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills supported by humans, not machines, as guides.
Practical Issues in The Classroom
The classroom issues in India are multi-layered. The complexities of multilingualism, socio-emotional development alongside cultural sensitivities require local context and adaptability; something AI cannot emulate. A teacher’s nurturing profession can still cultivate moral reasoning, empathy, real-time guidance, and discipline.
In Conclusion
The development of AI might enable to tender education, but it does not mean a teacher is no longer needed. The future of learning is in the integrated service of AI and a human instructor, where technology is used to assist the educator, not to take over.
Join Our WhatsApp Group for latest information
Certainly! Here’s a well-structured FAQ section that you can append to your news article “Can AI Replace Teachers?” to improve SEO and user engagement:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can AI fully replace teachers in the classroom?
No. AI can assist with administrative tasks, personalized learning, and language translation, but it lacks emotional intelligence, empathy, and moral guidance that only human teachers can provide. Experts recommend using AI as a tool for teachers, not as a substitute.
What does “AI for Teachers” mean?
“AI for Teachers” means using Artificial Intelligence to support and empower educators—helping them manage classroom activities, assess student performance, and customize learning plans—without replacing the teacher’s core role.
How does NEP 2020 relate to AI in education?
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages the use of technology in classrooms, including AI, but emphasizes human-centric learning, foundational literacy, critical thinking, and inclusive education. The policy supports tech integration under teacher supervision, not teacher elimination.
What are the risks of using AI without teachers?
AI cannot respond to socio-emotional needs, understand cultural nuances, or mentor students with real-life wisdom. Over-reliance on AI may lead to a loss of critical thinking, reduced emotional development, and increased inequality due to tech access gaps.
How can AI and teachers work together effectively?
- AI handles repetitive, data-driven tasks like grading or personalized quizzes.
- Teachers focus on emotional support, motivation, interactive discussions, and ethical development.
Together, they can create a more efficient, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
