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Looking ahead, industry leaders believe AI will play an even more dominant role by 2026.Here’s what experts have to say on the evolution of online learning over the past few years.
AI has the potential to democratise education by breaking barriers of geography, cost, and learning pace, believe experts. (Getty Images)
Over the past few years, online education has evolved from a supplementary learning option into a central pillar of modern education. What once seemed as a temporary alternative during the pandemic has now become a preferred mode of teaching, learning, and upskilling, driven by the need for flexibility, quality content, and the ability to learn without disrupting professional or personal lives.
With structured curricula, credible assessments, and even degree-granting programmes, today’s online platforms often rival, and in some cases surpass, traditional classroom experiences. A major catalyst behind this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), states Suresh Kalpathi, CEO of Veranda Learning.
He adds that AI has the potential to democratise education by breaking barriers of geography, cost, and learning pace, ultimately impacting millions worldwide. No longer a novelty, AI is fundamentally reshaping how education is consumed, he said.
“AI is no longer a new trend but rather one that is revolutionising how learners consume education. From personalised learning paths and adaptive tests to intelligent tutoring systems, AI is empowering platforms to adapt themselves as per the learning skill set of each student. This degree of personalisation was unthinkable a decade ago and is today helping students reach outcomes more efficiently and confidently,” said Kalpathi.
Digitalisation Of Society
The roots of this shift can be traced back to the pandemic, when campus closures made online education essential for continuity. That phase prioritised access and survival. In the post-pandemic era, however, online learning has transitioned from necessity to choice. Learners now expect relevance, flexibility, and tangible outcomes, expectations that well-designed digital programmes are uniquely positioned to meet. The convenience experienced during the pandemic has firmly established online education as a norm for continuous skill development, says Arjun Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning.
This momentum aligns with the broader digitalisation of society, where demand for new-age skills continues to surge. “This shift is also closely tied to the broader digitalisation of society. As everyday life becomes increasingly digital, through social media, online ride-hailing, quick commerce, and cashless payments, the demand for new-age digital skills has accelerated. Domains such as data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are evolving too rapidly for traditional, campus-only models to keep pace. Online learning, with its ability to update content quickly and draw on industry expertise, is particularly well-suited to these areas,” Nair added.
Role Of AI As We Move Forward
Looking ahead, industry leaders believe AI will play an even more dominant role by 2026. Suresh Kalpathi predicts more intuitive learning experiences powered by real-time performance tracking and precise coaching. Micro-credentials and modular courses will gain prominence as professionals seek targeted, industry-aligned skills, while deeper collaborations between educational institutions and technology companies will ensure curricula remain future-ready, says he.
Arjun Nair lists three major trends are expected to define education in 2026:
First is the mainstreaming of AI across curricula. Generative and agentic AI will no longer be niche subjects but foundational capabilities integrated into disciplines ranging from computer science and economics to physics and social sciences.
Second is deep automation across the education lifecycle, from content creation and delivery to assessment and grading, enabling quality education to scale without compromising affordability or consistency.
Third is a decisive shift towards interdisciplinary education, blending technology with business, humanities, and social sciences to prepare learners for complex, real-world challenges.
On similar lines, Prof. Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR states that as we approach 2026, priorities will include advancing interdisciplinary education, fostering critical and creative thinking, and integrating sustainability, technology, and Responsible AI.
“As we move into 2026, priorities will focus on advancing interdisciplinary education, fostering critical and creative thinking, and embedding sustainability, technology, and Responsible AI. The emphasis will be on integrating knowledge with real-world application, expanding experiential learning, and empowering students to become future-ready leaders who can meaningfully contribute to society. Together, we look forward to a year that moves us towards the India of 2047,” Prof Mukherjee stated.
December 23, 2025, 20:14 IST
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