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Instead of imposing a blanket ban on AI, institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, ISB and IISER Pune are exploring different approaches to AI integration.
Not just IIMB, several other renowned institutions have started allowing AI in exams. (AI Image)
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is changing rapidly, with leading institutions in India rethinking how students should use tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini for assignments, research and examinations. Instead of imposing a blanket ban on AI, institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, ISB and IISER Pune are exploring different approaches to AI integration. International universities, including Harvard University and the University of Melbourne, are also examining how AI can be incorporated into higher education.
One notable experiment took place at IIM Bangalore, where 78 MBA students developed their own AI chatbots and used them to answer midterm examination questions in a controlled setting. The students created and tested their chatbots over approximately a month before submitting them for evaluation. A dedicated, password-protected platform was used to conduct the assessment.
The chatbots were restricted to the prescribed course material and could not access external websites. The assessment examined not only the answers generated by the chatbots but also how students designed their instructions, configured the systems and applied concepts taught in the course.
The experiment used a no-code approach involving Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which enables an AI system to retrieve information from specified documents when generating responses. This allowed students without advanced programming skills to participate.
Not just IIMB, several other renowned institutions have started allowing AI in exams.
IISER Pune Allows AI Use Under Faculty Guidelines
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has adopted a flexible approach to generative AI. Students can generally use AI tools unless a course instructor or PhD supervisor explicitly restricts their use for a particular assignment or task.
Faculty members can establish guidelines according to the learning objectives of their courses. Some instructors specify the tasks for which AI assistance is permitted and those that students must complete independently.
For instance, students undertaking research assignments have been encouraged to use AI to develop research projects. In bioinformatics courses, AI tools have also been permitted for writing computer programmes used in data analysis.
However, students may still be required to solve similar problems independently during examinations. The objective is to determine whether they have understood the concepts rather than merely relying on AI to complete assignments.
IIM Ahmedabad Introduces AI Tools in Classroom Learning
IIM Ahmedabad is also incorporating AI into its teaching methods, particularly in case-based management education. Students can use tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini to summarise lengthy business case studies, prepare preliminary analyses and explore possible solutions before classroom discussions.
The institute has procured 1,500 AI tool licences for students, faculty members, research associates and other stakeholders, reported News18 Hindi.
The emphasis is on using AI-generated summaries as a starting point for deeper analysis. Students are expected to assess business problems, evaluate possible solutions and justify their decisions instead of simply reproducing information generated by AI tools.
ISB Experiments With AI Tutors and Interactive Learning
The Indian School of Business follows a course-specific approach to AI use across its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses. Faculty members determine whether AI can be used for assignments, group projects and research activities.
ISB is also exploring interactive AI simulations, personalised AI tutors and AI-based companions that help students examine business cases from different perspectives. These tools are intended to encourage discussion and critical thinking rather than provide ready-made answers.
The institution is also adapting assignments to place greater emphasis on problem-solving, evidence-based reasoning and decision-making. Students are encouraged to verify AI-generated suggestions against credible research, established theories and expert-reviewed sources.
Harvard University Revises AI Policies
The integration of AI into education is not limited to India. At Harvard University, course policies have increasingly addressed the use of generative AI.
An analysis of 20 popular Harvard College courses published by The Harvard Crimson found that almost all had some form of AI policy by the fall semester of 2025. The report also highlighted differing approaches among faculty members, ranging from restricted use to complete prohibitions.
According to the faculty survey cited in the report, 34% of surveyed teachers permitted AI use with strict restrictions, 35% allowed it with some restrictions, 24% prohibited it entirely, and 4% allowed unrestricted use.
These findings illustrate that universities continue to debate how AI should be incorporated into academic work.
What This Means for Students
The changing approach to AI in education does not mean students can use ChatGPT to write answers in every examination. Permission depends on the institution, course, instructor and assessment rules.
The emerging focus is on teaching students to use AI responsibly, verify its outputs and develop independent analytical skills. As educational institutions adapt to new technologies, students will need to understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI tools.
Ultimately, AI is increasingly being treated as a learning aid whose value depends on how effectively students use it, rather than as a universal replacement for independent thought.
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Ask News18Seventy-eight MBA students at IIM Bangalore developed and tested their own AI chatbots over a month to answer midterm examination questions in a controlled setting. The assessment used a password-protected platform where chatbots were restricted to prescribed course material and could not access external websites.
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October 28, 2026, 3:19 PM IST
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